I. ˈmər-chənt noun
Etymology: Middle English marchant, from Anglo-French, from Vulgar Latin * mercatant-, mercatans, from present participle of mercatare to trade, frequentative of Latin mercari — more at market
Date: 13th century
1. : a buyer and seller of commodities for profit : trader
2. : the operator of a retail business : storekeeper
3. : one that is noted for a particular quality or activity : specialist
a speed merchant on the base paths
• merchant adjective
II. verb
Date: 14th century
intransitive verb
archaic : to deal or trade as a merchant
transitive verb
: to deal or trade in