Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Penitential
Pen′i·ten′tial (·tĕn′shal), a. [Cf. F. pénitentiel.] Of or pertaining to penitence, or to penance; expressing penitence; of the nature of penance; as, the penitential book; penitential tears. "Penitential stripes." Cowper.
Guilt that all the penitential fires of hereafter can not cleanse. Sir W. Scott.
Pen′i·ten′tial, n. (R. C. Ch.) A book formerly used by priests hearing confessions, containing rules for the imposition of penances; — called also penitential book.