penitentiary

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

For quotations using this term, see Citations:penitentiary.

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

One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.

The Race of this Warre fell vpon the losse of Vrbin it selfe, which was the Dukes vndoubted Right; Yet in this case, no Penitentiary, (though hee had enioyned him neuer so strait Penance to expiate his first Offence,) would haue counselled him to haue giuen ouer the pursuit of his Right for Vrbin; Which after he prosperously re-obtained, […]

One who does penance.

A small building in a monastery, or a part of a church, where penitents confessed.

Topics which a priest may not treat , and which bishops declare are unfit for sacramental confession even in penitentiaries, become , with either public or private approval , the subject - matter of platform speeches

Of or relating to penance; penitential.

A penitentiary tax.

Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.

Penitentiary houses.