Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VE'NAL, a. [L. venalis, from veneo, to be sold.]

1. Mercenary; prostitute; that may be bought or obtained for money or other valuable consideration; as, a venal muse; venal services.
2. That may he sold; set to sale; as, all offices are venal in a corrupt government.
3. Purchased; as, a venal vote. Junius.