MERCY

noun (plural mercies) Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise Date: 13th century 1. compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power, imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder, 2. a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion, a fortunate circumstance , compassionate treatment of those in distress , ~ adjective Synonyms: see: ~