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Entry 9 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Penitentiary

/(pĕn`ĭ*tĕn"shȧ*ry̆)/ · Pen·i·ten·tia·ry · IPA /ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəɹi/
01 a. Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
  1. 1.
    Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
  2. 2.
    Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
  3. 3.
    Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
02 n. One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
pl. Penitentiaries ((#))
  1. 1.
    One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.[Obs.]
  2. 2.
    One who does penance.[Obs.]
  3. 3.
    A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
  4. 4.
    That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.
  5. 5.
    An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. Its chief is a cardinal, called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.(R. C. Ch.)
  6. 6.
    A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labor; a prison; a jail. Colloquially often shortened to pen. Also: pen