Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - penitence

 noun  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French penitance, from Medieval Latin poenitentia, alteration of Latin paenitentia regret, from paenitent-, paenitens, present participle  Date: 13th century the quality or state of being penitent ; sorrow for sins or faults Synonyms:  ~, repentance, contrition, compunction, remorse mean regret for sin or wrongdoing. ~ implies sad and humble realization of and regret for one's misdeeds absolution is dependent upon sincere ~. repentance adds the implication of a resolve to change repentance accompanied by a complete change of character. contrition stresses the sorrowful regret that constitutes true ~ tearful expressions of contrition. compunction implies a painful sting of conscience especially for contemplated wrongdoing had no compunctions about taking back what is mine. remorse suggests prolonged and insistent self-reproach and mental anguish for past wrongs and especially for those whose consequences cannot be remedied thieves untroubled by feelings of remorse.