misericord

American  

[miz-er-i-kawrd, mi-zer-i-kawrd] / ˌmɪz ər ɪˈkɔrd, mɪˈzɛr ɪˌkɔrd /

Or misericorde

noun

1. a room in a monastery set apart for those monks permitted relaxation of the monastic rule.

2. Also a small projection on the underside of a hinged seat of a church stall, which, when the seat is lifted, gives support to a person standing in the stall.

3. a medieval dagger, used for the mercy stroke to a wounded foe.

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misericord British  

/ mɪˈzɛrɪˌkɔːd /

noun

1. a ledge projecting from the underside of the hinged seat of a choir stall in a church, on which the occupant can support himself while standing

2. Christianity

   1. a relaxation of certain monastic rules for infirm or aged monks or nuns

   2. a monastery where such relaxations can be enjoyed

3. a small medieval dagger used to give the death stroke to a wounded foe

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Etymology

Origin of misericord

1200–50; Middle English misericorde literally, pity, mercy, an act of clemency < Middle French < Latin misericordia pity, equivalent to misericord- (stem of misericors ) compassionate ( miseri-, stem of miserēre to pity + cord- stem of cor heart) + -ia -y ³

Example Sentences

On one occasion there is an entry “Paid to the convent for the misericord of Thurlby, to wit 28 fowls, 12 gallons of beer and mustard and a gift to the prioress 9s., paid to the convent for the misericord of Corby 9s., paid to the pittancer for a pittance from Thurlby throughout the year 14s. 4d.”

From Project Gutenberg

And then out­cries, and Ellen beside me, falling, and as she fell I turned and saw my cloak slide with her, lantern and dagger on the road, misericord.

From Project Gutenberg

Even the shoe heels were carved as if on a medieval misericord, or shelf, showing an attention to detail and a polish new to this design duo.

From New York Times

The carving of her rolling a barrel has been made on a misericord, a small wooden shelf on the underside of a seat, in St Mary Magdalene church.

From BBC

His misericord also includes the theme of fishing in the River Teme.

From BBC