len·i·ty

[len-i-tee]
noun, plural len·i·ties.
1.
the quality or state of being mild or gentle, as toward others.
2.
a lenient act.

Origin:
1540–50; < Latin lēnītās. See lenis, -ty2

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World English Dictionary
lenity (ˈlɛnɪtɪ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n , pl -ties
the state or quality of being lenient
 
[C16: from Latin lēnitās gentleness, from lēnis soft]

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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00:10
Lenity is always a great word to know.
So is quincunx. Does it mean:
an arrangement of five objects, as trees, in a square or rectangle, one at each corner and one in the middle.
a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.
Etymonline
Word Origin & History

lenity
1540s, from Fr. lenité or directly from L. lenitatem (nom. lenitas), from lenis "soft, mild" (see lenient).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
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Example sentences
The doctrine of lenity is not applicable here, however.
It said that, for the sake of lenity, a single transaction should not be split
  up into multiple offenses.
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.
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