Bible Dictionaries
Penitentiary

Charles Buck Theological Dictionary

Search for…

Enter query below:

or

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Prev Entry
Penitential

Next Entry
Penitents

Resource Toolbox

Print Article

Additional Links

Dictionaries
Charles Buck Dictionary
• Penitentiary
1910 New Catholic Dictionary
• Penitentiary, Canon
• Canon Penitentiary
Webster Dictionary
• Penitentiary
• Penitentiaries
Encyclopedias
1911 Encyclopedia Britannica
• Penitentiary
McClintock and Strong's Bible Encyclopedia
• Penitentiary

In the ancient Christian church, a name given to certain presbyters or priests, appointed in every church to receive the private confessions of the people, in order to facilitate public discipline, by acquainting them what sins were to the expiated by public penance, and to appoint private penance for such private crimes as were not proper to be publicly censured. Penitentiary, also, in the court of Rome, is an office in which are examined and delivered out the secret bulls, dispensations, &c. Penitentiary is also an officer in some cathedrals, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases referred to him.