penitentiary

B2
Pronunciation
/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/
Noun
7 definition(s)
1 Definition

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

2 Definition

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

3 Definition

One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.

4 Definition

One who does penance.

5 Definition

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

6 Definition

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 Definition

An officer in some dioceses since 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.

Adjective
2 definition(s)
1 Definition

Of or relating to penance; penitential.

2 Definition

Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.