2. Expressive of penitence; as, a penitentiary letter.

3. Used for punishment, discipline, and reformation. "Penitentiary

houses." Blackstone.

Pen`i*ten"tia*ry, n.; pl. Penitentiaries (#). [Cf. F. pÈnitencier. See

Penitent.] 1. One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.

[Obs.] Bacon.