Definition for PEN'ANCE

PEN'ANCE, n. [Sp. penante, from penar, It. penare, to suffer pain. See Pain.]

  1. The suffering, labor or pain to which a person voluntarily subjects himself, or which is imposed on him by authority as a punishment for his faults, or as an expression of penitence; such as fasting, flagellation, wearing chains, &c. Penance is one of the seven sacraments of the Romish church. – Encyc.
  2. Repentance.

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