Legal Definitions - penitentiary

The term penitentiary comes from the Latin word "paenitentia," which means repentance. A penitentiary is a type of prison or correctional facility that is used to hold and rehabilitate individuals who have been convicted of serious crimes.

For example, a person who has been found guilty of murder may be sentenced to serve time in a penitentiary. While there, they will be expected to reflect on their actions and work towards becoming a better person.

In the Roman Catholic Church, a penitentiary is a tribunal that deals with matters related to confession, penance, and dispensation. This type of penitentiary is presided over by a cardinal and has jurisdiction over a wide range of spiritual matters.

Overall, the term penitentiary refers to a place where individuals are held accountable for their actions and given the opportunity to make amends for their mistakes.