Of a position, privilege etc.: available for purchase rather than assigned on merit.
Capable of being bought (of a person); willing to take bribes.
(of behaviour etc.) Corrupt, mercenary.
Though there is a disposition in mankind, to declaim against the corruption and peculation of the present times, as being more venal than formerly; yet, if we look back to different periods, we shall find statesmen and politicians, as selfish and corrupt, […] as those who have lately figured on the political stage.