Middle English Dictionary Entry
pē̆nitenciāl adj. & n.
Entry Info
| Forms | pē̆nitenciāl adj. & n. |
| Etymology | OF & ML |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) As adj.: of fasting: done as penance to make amends for sin; seven psalmes ~, the seven penitential psalms; (b) as noun: a manual for confessors containing lists of canonical penances for specified sins, a form of confession, etc.
Associated quotations
a
- a1500(?c1425) Spec.Sacer.(Add 36791)75/6 : And these remissiouns of penitencial fastyngis are seen to be commendable ȝif they be kepte louyngly for tyme, stede, and encheson.
- a1500(?c1425) Spec.Sacer.(Add 36791)75/35 : And ȝif he be a clerk, let hym sey yche day seven psalmes penitencial.
b
- [ a1300(OE) Deed Crediton (CotR 2.11)118 : Þay ȝeuenisse..bi-tende into cridiamtones ministre..hich habbe out-igadere of bokes fale and ido in on oþere mass-boc..And in on oþer boke þat hatte penitencialis bodde to hourde. ]
- (a1464) Capgr.Chron.(Cmb Gg.4.12)95 : Theodorus the First..was Pope sex ȝere. He mad a book whech is cleped 'Penitencial', where confessoures may lerne what penauns thei schal gyve.