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1. Used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
   "penitentiary institutions"
    
2. Showing or constituting penance
   "penitentiary tears";
   - penitential

1. A correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
   - pen [N. Amer, informal]

Derived forms: penitentiaries

See also: penitent, punitive, punitory, repentant

Type of: correctional institution

Encyclopedia: Penitentiary