- satisfaction
- c.1300, "performance of an act set forth by a priest or other Church authority to atone for sin," from L. satisfactionem (nom. satisfactio) "a satisfying of a creditor," from satisfacere (see satisfy). Sense of "contentment" first recorded 1382; not common before 16c. Satisfactory is attested from 1547, from L.L. satisfactorius, from L. satisfactus, pp. of satisfacere.