penance /'pensns; 'penans/ n [U] 1 punishment which one imposes upon oneself to show repentance, eg upon the advice of a priest. (表示懺悔的) 自我懲罰; (贖罪的)苦行。 do ~ (for sth), perform an act of ~ (for sth). (為…)苦行贖罪。 2 (RC Church) name for the sacrament that includes contrition, confession and penance. (天主散)吿解。