n.
(pl. mercies)
- compassion or forgiveness shown towards an enemy or person in one's power.
- something to be grateful for.
-
[as modifier]
(especially of a journey or mission) motivated by compassion.
exclam.
archaic used to express surprise or fear.
Phrase
- at the mercy of
completely in the power of.
Etymology
ME: from OFr. merci ‘pity’ or ‘thanks’, from L. merces, merced- ‘reward’, in Christian L. ‘pity, favour, heavenly reward’.