Penitentiary
WordNet
adjective
(1) Used for punishment or reform of criminals or wrongdoers
"Penitentiary institutions"
noun
(2) A correctional institution for those convicted of major crimes
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From Medieval Latin (penitentiaria), term used by the Quakers in Pennsylvania during the 1790s, describing a place for penitents sorry for their sins.
Noun
- A state or federal prison for convicted felons.
- (Roman Catholic Church) A priest who administers the sacrament of penance.
Adjective
- of, or related to penance; penitential
- of, or relating to the punishment of criminals