(Latin: atterere, to rub)
Contrition for sin without perfect motive; a sorrow of soul and a hatred of sin committed, with a firm purpose of never sinning again, the sorrow being based not on the pure love of God, whom sin has grievously offended, which would be perfect contrition, but on some inferior though supernatural motive such as the loss of heaven, or the punishment of hell, or the heinousness of sin itself.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
Read More