Word Meaning

Meaning of "penitentiary" and the crossword clue

- Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
- Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
- Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
- One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
- One who does penance.
- A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
- That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.
- An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. Its chief is a cardinal, called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.
- An officer in some dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
- A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labor.