Len"i*ty (?), 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.

His exceeding lenity disposes us to be somewhat too severe. Macaulay.

Syn. -- Gentleness; kindness; tenderness; softness; humanity; clemency; mercy.

 

© Webster 1913.

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