adv. [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, trans. 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. trans. Villari’s Machiavelli, II. I. viii. 249. If he sinned again however venially, he would certainly be hung.
