The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 7 letter word PENANCE
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
P
E
N
A
N
C
E
More clues leading to the result PENANCE
- Last character to be driven out of Cornish town as punishment
- Coppers accepting an act of contrition
- Coppers welcoming an act of contrition
- Money for penning article showing remorse
- Coppers must accept an imposed punishment
- Final character expelled from Cornwall town getting punishment
- Prison, one introducing new punishment
- Unknown having to leave Cornish town in expiation
- A curmudgeon finally put in a few coins, showing remorse
- Hardship in western port when zone is closed off
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "act of contrition" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case act of contrition = penance.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does PENANCE mean?
PENANCE noun- A voluntary self-imposed punishment for a sinful act or wrongdoing. It may be intended to serve as reparation for the act.
- A sacrament in some Christian churches.
- Any instrument of self-punishment.
- Repentance
- Pain; sorrow; suffering
- To impose penance; to punish.