Pen"i*tence (?), n. [F.
pénitence, L. paenitentia. See Penitent,
and cf. Penance.] The quality or condition of being
penitent; the disposition of a penitent; sorrow for sins or faults;
repentance; contrition. "Penitence of his old guilt."
Chaucer.
Death is deferred, and penitenance has room
To mitigate, if not reverse, the doom.
Dryden.
Syn. -- Repentance; contrition; compunction.