\Pen"i*tent\, a. [F. p['e]nitent, L. paenitens, -entis,
poenitens, p. pr. of paenitere, poenitere, to cause to
repent, to repent; prob. akin to poena punishment. See
{Pain}.]
1. Feeling pain or sorrow on account of sins or offenses;
   repentant; contrite; sincerely affected by a sense of
   guilt, and resolved on amendment of life.
         Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite. --Milton.
         The pound he tamed, the penitent he cheered.
                                               --Dryden.
2. Doing penance. [Obs.] --Shak.

\Pen"i*tent\, n.
1. One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his
   transgressions.
2. One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one
   undergoing penance.
3. One under the direction of a confessor.
Note: Penitents is an appellation given to certain
      fraternities in Roman Catholic countries, distinguished
      by their habit, and employed in charitable acts.