venial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite warranting only temporal punishment
    minor.
    • venial sin
  2. adjective satellite easily excused or forgiven
    excusable; forgivable.
    • a venial error

WordNet

Ve"ni*al adjective
Etymology
OF. venial, F. véniel, L. venialis, from venia forgiveness, pardon, grace, favor, kindness; akin to venerari to venerate. See Venerate.
Definitions
  1. Capable of being forgiven; not heinous; excusable; pardonable; as, a venial fault or transgression.
    So they do nothing, 't is a venial slip. Shak.
  2. Allowed; permitted. Obs. "Permitting him the while venial discourse unblamed." Milton. -- Ve"ni*al*ly, adv. -- Ve"ni*al*ness, n. Bp. Hall.

Webster 1913