5. (R. C. Ch.) (a) An office of the papal court which examines cases of
conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers
decisions, dispensations, etc. Its chief is a cardinal, called the
Grand Penitentiary, appointed by the pope. (b) An officer in some
dioceses since A. D. 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve
in cases reserved to him.
6. A house of correction, in which offenders are confined for
punishment, discipline, and reformation, and in which they are
generally compelled to labor.
Pen`i*ten"tia*ry*ship, n. The office or condition of a penitentiary of
the papal court. [R.] Wood.
Pen"i*tent*ly, adv. In a penitent manner.
<! p. 1061 !>
Penk (?), n. A minnow. See Pink, n., 4. [Prov. Eng.] Walton.
Pen"knife` (?), n.; pl. Penknives (#). [Pen + knife.] A small
pocketknife; formerly, a knife used for making and mending quill pens.
Pen"man (?), n.; pl. Penmen (&?;). 1. One who uses the pen; a writer;
esp., one skilled in the use of the pen; a calligrapher; a writing
master.