/merr"keuhn teel', -tuyl', -til/ , adj.
1. of or pertaining to merchants or trade; commercial.
2. engaged in trade or commerce: a mercantile nation.
3. Econ. of or pertaining to the mercantile system.
[ 1635-45; mercant ( e ) merchant ( mercant-, s. of mercans buyer, n. use of prp. of mercari to buy) + -ile -ILE ]
Syn. 1. See commercial .