The term 'contrite ones' is used to refer to people who have done something wrong and are seeking forgiveness. This can be seen in the three crossword solutions for the term: atoners (7 letters), ruers (5 letters), and PENITENTS (9 letters). Atoners are people who make amends for their wrongdoings, ruers are people who regret their actions, and PENITENTS are people who show remorse for their misdeeds. All three of these words describe people who are contrite and seeking forgiveness.