mercantile system

American  

[mur-kuhn-teel sis-tuhm, -tahyl] / ˈmɜr kənˌtil ˌsɪs təm, -ˌtaɪl /

noun

Economics.

1. a system of political and economic policy, evolving with the modern national state and seeking to secure a nation's political and economic supremacy in its rivalry with other states. According to this system, money was regarded as a store of wealth, and the goal of a state was the accumulation of precious metals, by exporting the largest possible quantity of its products and importing as little as possible, thus establishing a favorable balance of trade.

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Etymology

Origin of mercantile system

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

mercantile system

He also thought that these free trade deals would essentially be corrupted by the people who make the deal, which he called the mercantile system.

From Salon ● Feb. 1, 2025

The store was on its feet within one year, expanding in two, opening branches in three, and its descendants, a great mercantile system, now dominate a large part of the area.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

Hence it is that, in recent text-books, so many are now called adherents and now opponents of the mercantile system.

From Principles of Political Economy, Vol. II by Wilhelm Roscher

These were years when the English mercantile system worked well.

From The Road to Independence: Virginia 1763-1783 by Virginia. History, Government, and Geography Service

This true doctrine was acclimated earliest in England and Holland, and before the mercantile system invaded them.

From Principles Of Political Economy by John J. (John Joseph) Lalor