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Meaning of penitentiary

Source language: EnglishDictionary language: English

penitentiary

Pronunciation:/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/

noun

Definitions

  1. A state or federal prison for convicted felons; (broadly) a prison.

  2. A priest in the Roman Catholic Church who administers the sacrament of penance.

  3. One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.

  4. One who does penance.

adjective

Definitions

  1. Of or relating to penance; penitential.

  2. Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.