penitentiary

A prison, especially one for people who have been found guilty of serious crimes.

• He was sent to a penitentiary.
• She spent five years in a federal penitentiary.
• The state penitentiary holds prisoners convicted of serious crimes.

Similar words: prison

Common phrases: federal penitentiary, state penitentiary, maximum security penitentiary

A Catholic priest whose duties include hearing people admit their sins and giving religious forgiveness.

• The penitentiary heard her confession.
• He was appointed penitentiary at the cathedral.
• The bishop asked the penitentiary to advise the young priest.

Common phrases: cathedral penitentiary, the penitentiary priest, consult the penitentiary

Connected with punishing people who have committed crimes, especially by keeping them in prison.

• The report examines the penitentiary system.
• New rules changed penitentiary administration across the country.
• She studied penitentiary reform and the treatment of prisoners.

Similar words: penal

Common phrases: penitentiary system, penitentiary institutions, penitentiary reform

Connected with religious acts that show sorrow for sins and seek forgiveness.

• Fasting formed part of their penitentiary discipline.
• The text describes several penitentiary practices used in the monastery.
• These penitentiary prayers express sorrow for past sins.

Similar words: penitential

Common phrases: penitentiary discipline, penitentiary practices, penitentiary prayers