Penitence
Pronunciation : Pen"i*tence
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [F. p?nitence, L. paenitentia. See Penitent, and cf. Penance.]
Definition : Defn: The quality or condition of being penitent; the disposition of a penitent; sorrow for sins or faults; repentance; contrition. "Penitence of his old guilt." Chaucer. Death is deferred, and penitenance has room To mitigate, if not reverse, the doom. Dryden.
Syn. -- Repentance; contrition; compunction.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913