mercer

[mur-ser]

noun Chiefly British.

a dealer in textile fabrics; dry-goods merchant.

Origin of mercer

1150–1200; Middle English < Anglo-French; Old French mercier merchant, equivalent to merz merchandise (< Latin merx, accusative mercem) + -ier -ier²; see -er²

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for mercer

Contemporary Examples of mercer

Mercer says that allowing word of the rooftop missiles to get out was an “extremely savvy” move.
London Cracks Down on Security for Olympic Games
Mike Giglio
July 9, 2012

Historical Examples of mercer

"The mercer kept you waiting long," remarked Castell quietly.
Fair Margaret
H. Rider Haggard
The mercer took the child, smiled at her and kissed her rosy cheeks.
Therese Raquin
Emile Zola
Mercer reached around the door into the laboratory and pressed a button.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930
Various
What––I glanced at Mercer, 382 and he laughed aloud with pleasure and excitement.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930
Various
I shouted across the pool to Mercer, who was watching anxiously.
Astounding Stories of Super-Science, March 1930
Various

British Dictionary definitions for mercer

mercer

noun

British a dealer in textile fabrics and fine cloth

Derived Formsmercery, noun

Word Origin for mercer

C13: from Old French mercier dealer, from Vulgar Latin merciārius (unattested), from Latin merx goods, wares

Mercer

noun

Johnny, full name John Herndon Mercer. 1909–76, US popular songwriter and singer. His most popular songs include "Blues in the Night" (1941) and "Moon River" (1961)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for mercer

early 12c., "dealer in textile," from Old French mercier "shopkeeper, tradesman," from Vulgar Latin *merciarius, from Latin merx (see market (n.)).