penitentiary

Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary

Contents 1 English 1.1 Etymology 1.2 Pronunciation 1.3 Noun 1.3.1 Synonyms 1.3.2 Translations 1.4 Adjective 1.4.1 Translations

[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Medieval Latin (penitentiaria), term used by the Quakers in Pennsylvania during the 1790s, describing a place for penitents sorry for their sins.

[edit] Pronunciation

pĕn·ĭ·'tĕn·shŭ·rē

[edit] Noun

penitentiary (plural penitentiaries)

1. (US) A state or federal prison for convicted felons.
2. (Roman Catholic Church) A priest who administers the sacrament of penance.

[edit] Synonyms

• pen (1)

[edit] Translations

[edit] Adjective

penitentiary (not comparable)

1. of, or related to penance; penitential
2. of, or relating to the punishment of criminals

[edit] Translations