/
ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃ(ə)ri/
n.
(pl. penitentiaries)
- N. Amer. a prison for people convicted of serious crimes.
- (in the Roman Catholic Church) a priest appointed to administer penance.
▸an office in the papal court deciding questions relating to penance, dispensations, etc.
Etymology
ME: from med. L. paenitentiarius, from L. paenitentia ‘repentance’.