Words Like PENITENTIARY
    
   We have put together a list of words that are similar to PENITENTIARY.
    
    
    
        
            1 Alternative Words Similar to penitentiary
   
            
               
            
            
        
       
    
    
        2 examples of penitentiary
           
        
    1
    
        a penitentiary letter
    
    2
    
        wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words
    
       
    
    
        10 definitions of penitentiary
           
        
    1
    
        Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
    
    
    
 
    2
    
        Expressive of penitence.
    
    
    
 
    3
    
        Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
    
    
    
 
    4
    
        One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
    
    
    
 
    6
    
        A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
    
    
    
 
    7
    
        That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.
    
    
    
 
    8
    
        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.
    
    
    
 
    9
    
        An officer in some dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
    
    
    
 
    10
    
        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.