mercantile system

[ mur-kuhn-teel sis-tuhm, -tahyl ]

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercantile system¹

First recorded in 1770–80

Example Sentences

Under the mercantile system then in vogue, supplies and markets had now to be sought in England.

From Project Gutenberg

It must unquestionably have thrown the whole mercantile system of the country into the greatest confusion.

From Project Gutenberg

But external trade is regulated by governments on the principles of the mercantile system.

From Project Gutenberg

The principle of the "commercial system" or "mercantile system" is, that wealth consists in money, or in gold and silver.

From Project Gutenberg

Of all the expedients of the mercantile system, accordingly, it is the one of which they are the fondest.

From Project Gutenberg