{ } n. [ Cf. F. rénitence. ] The state or quality of being renitent; resistance; reluctance. Sterne. [ 1913 Webster ]

We find a renitency in ourselves to ascribe life and irritability to the cold and motionless fibers of plants. E. Darwin. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. pénitence, L. paenitentia. See Penitent, and cf. Penance. ] The quality or condition of being penitent; the disposition of a penitent; sorrow for sins or faults; repentance; contrition. “Penitence of his old guilt.” Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

Death is deferred, and penitenance has room
To mitigate, if not reverse, the doom. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Repentance; contrition; compunction. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. pénitencier. ] A priest who heard confession and enjoined penance in extraordinary cases. [ Written also penitenser. ] [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]