Lenity

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Lenity \Len"i*ty\ (-t[y^]), n. [L. lenitas, fr. lenis soft,
     mild: cf. OF. lenit['e]. See {Lenient}.]
     The state or quality of being lenient; mildness of temper or
     disposition; gentleness of treatment; softness; tenderness;
     clemency; -- opposed to {severity} and {rigor}.
     [1913 Webster]


  
           His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too
           severe.                                  --Macaulay.
  
     Syn: Gentleness; kindness; tenderness; softness; humanity;
          clemency; mercy.
          [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  lenity
       n : mercifulness as a consequence of being lenient or tolerant
           [syn: {lenience}, {leniency}, {mildness}]