venially

English

Etymology

From venial +‎ -ly.

Adverb

venially (comparative more venially, superlative most venially)

1. In a venial manner.
   • 1658, Thomas Browne, “To My Worthy and Honored Friend Nicholas Bacon of Gillingham [i.e., Sir Nicholas Bacon, 1st Baronet, of Gillingham] Esquire”, in Hydriotaphia, Urne-buriall, […] Together with The Garden of Cyrus, […], London: […] Hen[ry] Brome […], →OCLC:

     The Antients venially delighted in flouriſhing Gardens; […]

   • 1884, Thomas Fowler, Progressive Morality‎^[1]:

     With regard to all the failings and offences which fall under this head, it may be remarked that, from their false show of generosity, society is apt to treat them too venially, except where they entail degradation or disgrace.

   • 1920, Rev. E. J. Quigley, The Divine Office‎^[2]:

     And a person may sin venially by the inversion of the Hours, The obligation binds sub veniali only.