penitant

English

Adjective

penitant (comparative more penitant, superlative most penitant)

1. Obsolete spelling of penitent.
   • 1810, T. Smollett, The History of England: From the Revolution to the Death of George II, Inskeep and Bradford, page 99,

     The churches were crowded with penitant sinners: the sons of riot and profligacy were overawed into sobriety and decorum.

Noun

penitant (plural penitants)

1. Obsolete spelling of penitent.
   • 1835, Prosper Merimee, An Execution in Spain, The New England Magazine, Volume IX, page 412,

     It was preceded by a large crucifix borne by a penitant, escorted by two Acolytes, each one of whom carried a lantern fixed at the end of a long wand.