n.
Pronunciation: ' m ə r-s ē
Function: noun
Inflected Form: 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 a : compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power also : lenient or compassionate treatment <begged for mercy > b : imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder
2 a : a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion b : a fortunate circumstance <it was a mercy they found her before she froze>
3 : compassionate treatment of those in distress <works of mercy among the poor>
– mercy adjective
– at the mercy of : wholly in the power of : with no way to protect oneself against
synonyms MERCY , CHARITY , CLEMENCY , GRACE , LENIENCY mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. MERCY implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it <threw himself on the mercy of the court>. CHARITY stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others <show a little charity for the less fortunate>. CLEMENCY implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing <the judge refused to show clemency >. GRACE implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions <by the grace of God>. LENIENCY implies lack of severity in punishing <criticized the courts for excessive leniency >.