Substantiv
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| penitentiary -
A state or federal prison for convicted felons.
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| penitentiary -
Roman Catholic Church A priest who administers the sacrament of penance.
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| penitentiary -
One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
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| penitentiary -
One who does penance.
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| penitentiary -
A small building in a monastery, or a part of a church, where penitents confessed.
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| penitentiary -
An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc. , and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. , run by a cardinal called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.
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| penitentiary -
An officer in some dioceses since 1215 A. D. , vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
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Adjektiv
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| penitentiary -
Of or relating to penance; penitential.
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| penitentiary -
Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.
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