1. (n.) The act of grinding or ribbing to powder; attrition; friction; rubbing.

2. (n.) The state of being contrite; deep sorrow and repentance for sin, because sin is displeasing to God; humble penitence; through repentance.

abject apology acknowledgment apologies apology attrition ayenbite of inwit bitterness breast-beating compunction confession contriteness excuse grief mea culpa penance penitence penitently regret regretfulness regrets regretting remorse remorse of conscience remorsefulness repentance repining rue ruth shame shamefacedness shamefastness shamefulness sorriness sorrow wistfulness