Penitentiary

1. An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc. Its chief is a cardinal, called the Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope.
2. Relating to penance, or to the rules and measures of penance.
3. One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
4. A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are generally compelled to labor.
5. One who does penance.
6. Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation.
7. Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.
8. An officer in some dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
9. A small building in a monastery where penitents confessed.
10. That part of a church to which penitents were admitted.