Pronunciation: [pˈɛnənst] (IPA) 
The word "penanced" is spelled with the letters P-E-N-A-N-C-E-D. Its IPA phonetic transcription is /pɛnənst/. The "e" sound is pronounced like in "pen", the "a" sound like in "can", the "n" sound like in "no", the "s" sound like in "see", and the "t" sound like in "tent". The word means to perform an act of self-punishment or to receive a punishment as a way of atoning for a wrongdoing.
Penanced is the past tense of the verb "pence," which refers to the act of imposing a penance or punishment on oneself or another as a form of atonement for wrongdoing or sins committed. When someone is penanced, they have undergone the process of receiving or undergoing penance.
Penance refers to various religious or spiritual practices that aim to purify the soul, seek forgiveness, and make amends for one's transgressions or immoral actions. It is often associated with the Christian faith, particularly in the Catholic Church, where it is considered a sacrament. Penances can take various forms, such as prayer, fasting, almsgiving, or acts of self-discipline.
Being penanced may involve seeking guidance or counsel from a religious authority, often a priest or pastor, who prescribes specific penitential acts based on the severity of the offense. The nature and duration of the penance can vary widely, depending on the circumstances and the religious tradition followed.
The purpose of being penanced is to demonstrate remorse, repentance, and a sincere desire to make reparations for one's wrongdoings. Penance is often seen as a means of seeking divine mercy, gaining spiritual healing, and ultimately restoring one's relationship with God and the community.
In a broader sense, to be penanced can also refer to a self-imposed or voluntary act of self-punishment or self-discipline undertaken as a means of personal growth or moral development outside of religious contexts. However, this usage is less common and restricted to certain philosophical or introspective contexts.
The word penanced comes from the noun penance, which originated from the Old French word penance, with the same spelling and meaning. The Old French term itself derived from the Latin word poenitentia, meaning penitence or repentance. The Latin term is derived from the verb poenitere, which means to make sorry or to repent.
