19 February 2015

lenity

[len-i-tee]

noun, plural lenities.
1. the quality or state of being mild or gentle, as toward others.
2. a lenient act.

Origin

Latin
1540-1550; < Latin lēnītās. See lenis, -ty2

Dictionary.com

Examples from the web for lenity

– The jury was informed of the factual basis for each charge and the rule of lenity does not apply.
– Under the rule of lenity, any ambiguity is interpreted to favor the defendant.
– Court declines to apply the common law rule of lenity and applies the common law no fractions of the day rule.

Anagram

ye lint
yet nil

Today’s aphorism

You have been criticizing yourself for years and it hasn’t worked. Try approving of yourself and see what happens.

– Louise Hay

On this day

19 February 1950 – Cyprus independence is granted with the signing of a joint agreement by Britain, Greece and Turkey.

19 February 1980 – death of Ronald Belford ‘Bon’ Scott, Scottish-born Australian rock musician. Most famous as the lead-singer of legendary hard rock band, AC/DC. Scott died after choking on his own vomit following a heavy drinking session. Born 9 July 1946.

19 February 2006 – Hamas leader, Ismail Haniya, becomes Prime Minister of Palestine following Palestinian Legislative Council elections.

19 February 2008 – Fidel Castro retires as leader of Cuba after 49 years at the helm, following the revolution he led in 1959. At 81 years old, Castro had been unwell.