The term 'penitent sort' is a phrase used to describe someone who is remorseful for their actions and seeks to make amends. The crossword solutions for this term are 'ruer' (4 letters) and 'atoner' (6 letters). A 'ruer' is someone who expresses regret or sorrow, while an 'atoner' is someone who seeks to make up for wrongs they have committed. Both words imply a sense of repentance and a desire to make things right.