veniallyadv.
/ˈviːnɪəli/, U.S. /ˈviniəli/, /ˈvinjəli/ In a venial manner, esp. in the way of venial sin; pardonably, excusably.
ΘΚΠ
society > morality > duty or obligation > moral or legal constraint > immunity or exemption from liability > excuse > [adverb] > excusably
veniallya1340
pardonably1604
excusablya1631
veniably1646
excusedly1654
a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xvii. 26 Na man is in erthe þat synnes noght venyally.
c1386 G. Chaucer Parson's Tale ⁋288 Þylk worldly thynges þat he loueth, þurgh which he synneth venially.
c1450 Jacob's Well (1900) 80 Þerfore, takyth heed be my woordys, whanne ȝe synnen in pride venyally, & whanne dedly.
a1535 T. More Dialoge of Comfort (1553) ii. xiiii. sig. H.iiii Whereas els in dede he had but offended venyally.
1588 A. King tr. P. Canisius Cathechisme or Schort Instr. 227 Thay ar aduersaries to the doctrine of trew religion quha sayis that ane iust man sinnes at leist veniallie in euery guid wark.
1608 A. Willet Hexapla in Exodum 659 A iust man in his good workes doth not sinne so much as venially.
1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriotaphia: Urne-buriall Ep. Ded. sig. A6 The Antients venially delighted in flourishing Gardens.
1740 C. Cibber Apol. Life C. Cibber v. 102 All the Faults, Follies, and Affectation of that agreeable Tyrant, were venially melted down into so many Charms, and Attractions.
1847 Fraser's Mag. 36 53 So it fares with genius which, when only venially erroneous, is not to be forgiven.
1878 L. Villari tr. P. Villari Machiavelli & his Times II. i. viii. 249 If he sinned again however venially, he would certainly be hung.
This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1916; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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adv.a1340