Etymology:
Meaning:
A correctional facility for convicted criminals, typically one where long-term sentences are served.
Origin:
The word "penitentiary" originates from the Latin word "poenitens," which means "repentant." The term was originally used to describe a place where people could go to repent for their sins. In the Middle Ages, penitentiaries were often associated with monasteries and nunneries, where people could stay for a period of time to atone for their wrongdoings.
Over time, the meaning of "penitentiary" shifted to refer to a place where people were sent as punishment for crimes. In the 18th century, penitentiaries began to be established in the United States as a way to reform criminals and rehabilitate them into society. However, the reality of life in many penitentiaries was often harsh and dehumanizing, and they became known for their overcrowding, violence, and lack of rehabilitation programs.
Today, penitentiaries are still used to incarcerate convicted criminals, but there is a growing movement to reform the prison system and focus on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Etymology Old French penitance Latin paenitentia Proto Indo European pƏnkʷ to p
Etymology Middle English penitenciarye 14th century Late Latin poenitentiarius 6th c
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Meaning of Folk Etymology Folk etymology also known as popular etymology or dubious e
