One who repents of sin; one sorrowful on account of his transgressions.
One under church censure, but admitted to penance; one undergoing penance.
One under the direction of a confessor.
one who repents(turns away from sin)
(Roman Catholic Church) a person who repents for wrongdoing (a Roman Catholic may be admitted to penance under the direction of a confessor)
a person under church censure but admitted to penance or reconciliation especially under direction of a confessor