Pen′i‐ten″tia‐ry (–shȧ‐ry̆), a. [Cf. F. pénitentiaire.] 1. Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance. “A penitentiary tax.” Abp. Bramhall.
2. Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
3. Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation. “Penitentiary houses.” Blackstone.