Con″trite (?; 277), a. [L. contritus bruised, p. p. of contrere to grind, bruise; con- + terere to rub, grind: cf. F. contrit See Trite.] 1. Thoroughly bruised or broken.
2. Broken down with grief and penitence; deeply sorrowful for sin because it is displeasing to God; humbly and thoroughly penitent.
A contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise.
Ps. li. 17.
Be penitent, and for thy fault contrite.
Milton.
Syn. — Penitent; repentant; humble; sorrowful.