Emily Dickinson Lexicon

VENIAL, a. [It. veniale; Sp. venial; Fr. venial; from L. mia, pardon, leave to depart, from the root of venio, and signifying literally a going or passing.]

1. That may be forgiven; pardonable; as, a venial fault oi transgression. The reformed churches hold all sins to be venial, through the merits of the Redeemer; but the most trifling sins not to be venial, except through the righteous. ness and atonement of Christ.
2. In familiar language, excusable; that may be allowed oi permitted to pass without censure; as, a venial slip or fault.
3. Allowed. Permitting him the while Venial discourse unblam'd. Milton.