Penitente

[ pen-i-ten-tey, -tee ]

/ ˌpɛn ɪˈtɛn teɪ, -ti /

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noun

a member of a confraternity, chiefly in Spanish American communities in New Mexico, known for their practice of self-flagellation, especially during Holy Week.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of Penitente

First recorded in 1830–40; Americanism; from Spanish, literally, “penitent,” singular of Penitentes, short for Los Hermanos Penitentes “the penitent brothers”

Words nearby Penitente

Peninsula War, penis, penis envy, penitence, penitent, Penitente, penitential, penitential Psalm, penitentiary, Penki, penknife

How to use Penitente in a sentence

Placido Penitente left the class with his heart overflowing with bitterness and sullen gloom in his looks.
The Reign of Greed|Jose Rizal
In the house of the silversmith, where Placido Penitente boarded, the events were commented upon and discussed with some freedom.
The Reign of Greed|Jose Rizal
These attitudes were materialized in the building of the penitente moradas.
The Penitente Moradas of Abiqui|Richard E. Ahlborn
The cantata “Davidde Penitente” was the outcome of a work of love.
The Standard Cantatas|George P. Upton

Penitente membership comprises two strata distinguishable by title and activity.
The Penitente Moradas of Abiqui|Richard E. Ahlborn