\Con*tri"tion\, n. [F. contrition, L. contritio.]
1. The act of grinding or ribbing to powder; attrition;
   friction; rubbing. [Obs.]
         The breaking of their parts into less parts by
         contrition.                           --Sir I.
                                               Newton.
2. The state of being contrite; deep sorrow and repentance
   for sin, because sin is displeasing to God; humble
   penitence; through repentance.
         My future days shall be one whole contrition.
                                               --Dryden.
Syn: repentance; penitence; humiliation; compunction;
     self-reproach; remorse.
Usage: {Contrition}, {Attrition}, {repentance}. -- Contrition
       is deep sorrow and self-condemnation, with through
       repetance for sin because it is displeasing to God,
       and implies a feeling of love toward God. Attrition is
       sorrow for sin, or imperfect repentance produced by
       fear of punishment or a sense of the baseness of sin.
       Repentance is a penitent renunciation of, and turning
       from, sin; thorough repentance produces a new life.
       Repentance is often used as synonymous with
       contrition. See {Compunction}.