Noun
The quality or condition of being penitent; the disposition of a penitent; sorrow for sins or faults; repentance; contrition.
Source: Webster's dictionaryTrue penitence condemns to silence. What a man is ready to recall he would be willing to repeat. F. H. Bradley
. . . that vague kind of penitence which holidays awaken next morning . . . Charles Dickens
Genuine grief iz like penitence, not klamorous but subdued; sorrow from the hous tops and penitence in a market place shows more ambishun than piety. Josh Billings
Pain and penitence forsaking, Hearts like cloisters dim and grey, By your laughter lured, awaking Join with you the dance of day. George William Russell
Don't waste your time on penitence or guilt. Solving the problem is better! Sheri S. Tepper
Peace and patience, and death with penitence. Spanish Proverb