penitentiary
noun
- 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.
- 5
A small building in a monastery, or a part of a church, where penitents confessed.
- 6
An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc.; run by a cardinal called the Grand Penitentiary who is appointed by the pope.
- 7
An officer in some dioceses since 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
Synonyms
adjective
- 1
Of or relating to penance; penitential.
- 2
Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.
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