Definitions from Wiktionary (penitentiary)

▸ noun:  (chiefly US) A state or federal prison for convicted felons; (loosely) a prison.
▸ noun:  A priest in the Roman Catholic Church who administers the sacrament of penance.
▸ noun:  (obsolete) One who prescribes the rules and measures of penance.
▸ noun:  (obsolete) One who does penance.
▸ noun:  (obsolete) A small building in a monastery, or a part of a church, where penitents confessed.
▸ noun:  (obsolete) An office of the papal court which examines cases of conscience, confession, absolution from vows, etc., and delivers decisions, dispensations, etc.; run by a cardinal called the Grand Penitentiary who is appointed by the pope.
▸ noun:  (obsolete) An officer in some dioceses since 1215, vested with power from the bishop to absolve in cases reserved to him.
▸ adjective:  Of or relating to penance; penitential.
▸ adjective:  Of or relating to the punishment of criminals.

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