mercer

[ mur-ser ]

noun

, Chiefly British.

1. a dealer in textile fabrics; dry-goods merchant.

Mercer

¹

/ ˈmɜːsə /

noun

1. MercerJohnny19091976MUSMUSIC: popular songwriterMUSIC: singer 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)

mercer

²

/ ˈmɜːsə /

noun

1. a dealer in textile fabrics and fine cloth

Derived Forms

• ˈmercery, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercer¹

1150–1200; Middle English < Anglo-French; Old French mercier merchant, equivalent to merz merchandise (< Latin merx, accusative mercem ) + -ier -ier ²; -er ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of mercer¹

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

Example Sentences

During her brief career as helper to the St. James' Market mercer, Emma chanced to attract the notice of a woman of quality who one day entered the shop.

From Project Gutenberg

The projector of the next lighthouse for the Eddystone was again a London mercer, who kept a silk shop on Ludgate Hill.

From Project Gutenberg

Mrs. Northey referred to the arrest by bailiffs, the news of which had reached Arlington Street through Lane the mercer.

From Project Gutenberg

Good Master Mayor," quoth he, "I am a mercer of London town, And owner of vessels three.

From Project Gutenberg

The mercer's stock-in-trade at Colchester was much upon a level with the carpenter's tools.

From Project Gutenberg