Pen"i*tence (?), n. [F. p'enitence, L. paenitentia. See Penitent, and cf. Penance.]
The quality or condition of being penitent; the disposition of a penitent; sorrow for sins or faults; repentance; contrition.
"
Penitence of his old guilt."
Chaucer.
Death is deferred, and penitenance has room
To mitigate, if not reverse, the doom.
Dryden.
Syn. -- Repentance; contrition; compunction.
© Webster 1913.