Pen″i‐tence (?), n. [F. pénitence, 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.