CONTRITION, n. [L.]
1. The act of grinding or rubbing to powder.
2. Penitence; deep sorrow for sin; grief of heart for having offended and infinitely holy and benevolent God. The word is usually understood to mean genuine penitence, accompanied with a deep sense of ingratitude in the sinner, and sincere resolution to live in obedience to the divine law.
Fruits of more pleasing savor, from thy See d sown with contrition in his heart.
Imperfect repentance is by some divines called attrition.
