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pen·ance

penance

 
 
pronunciation:
pe nns
features:
Word Combinations (noun)
part of speech: noun
definition 1: an act of punishment or self-discipline voluntarily undergone to show regret at having done something wrong.
They fasted as a penance for their sin.You did nothing wrong; why do you feel you need to do penance?
definition 2: in some Christian churches, a sacrament consisting of confession of and regret at having sinned, acceptance of punishment, and forgiveness.
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