■ noun
1》 a person involved in wholesale trade.
↘ chiefly N. Amer. a retail trader.
2》 informal a person who deals in something unpleasant.
↘ derogatory a person with a liking for a particular activity: a speed ~.
■ adjective (of ships, sailors, or shipping activity) involved with commerce.
Origin
ME: from OFr. marchant , based on L. mercari 'to trade', from merx , merc- 'merchandise'.