I. ˈmərsə̇fəl, ˈmə̄s-, ˈməis-, -sēf- adjective
Etymology: Middle English, from merci, mercy mercy + -ful — more at mercy
: full of mercy : marked, exercising, or disposed to mercy : clement , compassionate , lenient
if tried by the manners of his age, Caesar was the most merciful of conquerors — J.A.Froude
the merciful possibilities of the antibiotics — F.L.Allen
Synonyms: see forbearing
II. adjective
: providing relief
a merciful absence of crowds