VE'NIAL, a. [L. 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.