[mer.cy] n, pl mercies [ME, fr. OF merci, fr. ML merced-, merces, fr. L, price paid, wages, fr. merc-, merx merchandise] (13c) 1 a: compassion or forbearance shown esp. to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also: lenient or compassionate treatment "begged for ~" 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 ~ they found her before she froze"
3: compassionate treatment of those in distress "works of ~ among the poor" -- mercy adj -- at the mercy of : wholly in the power of: with no way to protect oneself against syn 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".