penance

An act of self-mortification or devotion performed voluntarily to show sorrow for a sin or other wrongdoing.

A sacrament in some Christian churches that includes contrition, confession to a priest, acceptance of punishment, and absolution.

To impose penance upon.

To inflict penance upon; discipline by penance.

Penitence; repentance.

Sorrow for sin shown by outward acts; self-punishment expressive of penitence or repentance; the suffering to which a person voluntarily subjects himself, as by fasting, flagellation, self-imposed tasks, etc., as an expression of penitence; the outward acts by which sorrow for sin is shown.

Eccles., sorrow for sin shown by outward acts under authority and regulation of the church; contrition manifested by confession and satisfaction and entitling to absolution; hence, absolution ensuing upon contrition and confession with satisfaction or purpose of satisfaction.

The penalty or discipline imposed by the priest in the above sacrament.

Hence Any act of austerity or asceticism practised with a religious motive.

Suffering; sorrow; misery.