penance /ˈpɛn.əns/noun 5verb 1forms 3 noun5 •A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.Quoth he, "The man hath penance done, / And penance more will do." — 1797 •A sacrament in some Christian churches that involves penitence (remorse plus restitution via prayer). •Any instrument of self-punishment. •(no longer used) repentance •(no longer used) pain; sorrow; suffering verb1 •To impose penance; to punish.She seem'd, at once, some penanced lady elf, / Some demon mistress, or the demon's self. — 1819 formspenanced · penancing · penances
