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Noun: penitentiary  ,pe-ni'ten-shu-ree
  1. A correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
    "He was sentenced to 10 years in the state penitentiary";
    - pen [N. Amer, informal]
Adjective: penitentiary  ,pe-ni'ten-shu-ree
  1. Used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
    "penitentiary institutions"
     
  2. Showing or constituting penance
    "penitentiary tears";
    - penitential

Derived forms: penitentiaries

See also: penitent, punitive, punitory, repentant

Type of: correctional institution

Encyclopedia: Penitentiary