D defs.my
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Entry 2 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Penitential

· Pen·i·ten·tial · IPA /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəl/
01 a. Of or pertaining to penitence, or to penance; expressing penitence; of the nature of penance; as, the penitential book; penitential tears.
  1. 1.
    Of or pertaining to penitence, or to penance; expressing penitence; of the nature of penance; as, the penitential book; penitential tears.
    “Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse.” — Sir W. Scott.
02 n. A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions, containing rules for the imposition of penances; -- called also penitential book.
  1. 1.
    A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions, containing rules for the imposition of penances; -- called also penitential book.(R. C. Ch.) Also: penitential book