venially, adv.
(ˈviːnɪəlɪ)
[f. venial a.1 + -ly2.]
In a venial manner, esp. in the way of venial sin; pardonably, excusably.
| a 1340 Hampole Psalter xvii. 26 Na man is in erthe þat synnes noght venyally. c 1386 Chaucer Pars. T. ¶288 Þylk worldly thynges þat he loueth, þurgh which he synneth venially. c 1440 Jacob's Well 80 Þerfore, takyth heed be my woordys, whanne ȝe synnen in pride venyally, & whanne dedly. 1534 More Comf. agst. Trib. ii. Wks. 1183/1 Wher as els in dede he had offended but venyally. 1588 A. King tr. Canisius' Catech. 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 Willet Hexapla Exod. 659 A iust man in his good workes doth not sinne so much as venially. 1658 Sir T. Browne Hydriot. Ded., The Antients venially delighted in flourishing Gardens. 1740 Cibber Apol. (1756) I. 128 All the faults, follies, and affectation of that agreeable tyrant were venially melted down into so many charms and attractions. 1847 Fraser's Mag. XXXVI. 53 So it fares with genius which, when only venially erroneous, is not to be forgiven. 1878 tr. Villari's Machiavelli II. i. viii. 249 If he sinned again however venially, he would certainly be hung. |