Analysis of information sources in references of the Wikipedia article "Remorse" in English language version.
[...] 'compunction' seems to mean much the same thing as 'remorse,' but can be distinguished from it in two ways. First, 'compunction' can be used to refer to milder cases of remorseful feelings. Second, it can be used to refer to a kind of pre-emptive or anticipatory bad conscience which arises before one does wrong and which can thereby (help to) prevent that wrongdoing. [...] Compunction can thus be seen as both retrospective and prospective, whereas in the normal case, remorse seems to be essentially a retrospective emotion.
In Middle English on the other hand, compunction and contrition are almost always used in a positive context, especially to exemplify ideals of Christian emotional culture, frequently in combination with the outward sign of tears.
What is clear in Master Durand's testimony, and in much of the penitential literature, is that the sacrament of penance started before priest and penitent met. The internal state of the penitent before confession mattered, and ideally a penitent should feel compunction. Compunction was not a gentle emotion. Theologians described it as 'a puncture provoked by the thorns of sins; it was like the spur in the flank of the ox or horse in order to drive it free of the mud.' [...] The noble ladies who had gathered to pray, 'having been pierced on the inside, wished to confess immediately, without any delay, and they made confession of their sins.'
