penitentiary
adjective
1. used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
- penitentiary institutions
Similar word(s): punitive, punitory
2. showing or constituting penance
- penitential tears
- wrote a penitential letter apologizing for her hasty words
Similar word(s): penitent, repentant, penitential
noun
1. a correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
Similar word(s): pen
Definition categories: man–made