/ˌpɛnɪˈtɛnʃəri əˈfɛns/ – Phrase
Definition: (Mỹ) 1. hành vi phạm tội trong thời gian thụ án tù;
2. hành vi phạm tội bị phạt tù giam.
A more thorough explanation: A penitentiary offense refers to a serious criminal offense that is punishable by imprisonment in a penitentiary or prison. It typically involves crimes that are considered more severe and may result in longer sentences compared to other types of offenses.
Example: The defendant was charged with a serious penitentiary offence, which could result in a lengthy prison sentence upon conviction.