n.1 a shelving projection on the under side of a hinged seat in a choir stall serving (when the seat is turned up) to help support a person standing.
2 an apartment in a monastery in which some relaxations of discipline are permitted.
3 a dagger for dealing the death stroke.
Etymology: ME f. OF misericorde f. L misericordia f. misericors compassionate f. stem of misereri pity + cor cordis heart