venial

VE'NIAL, adjective [Latin venia, 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 or 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 righteousness and atonement of Christ. 2. In familiar language, excusable; that may be allowed or permitted to pass without censure; as a venial slip or fault. 3. Allowed. Permitting him the while venial discourse unblam'd.