Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Mercy
Mer′cy
(mẽr′sy̆)
, Noun.
pl.
Mercies
(#)
. 1.
Forbearance to inflict harm under circumstances of provocation, when one has the power to inflict it; compassionate treatment of an offender or adversary; clemency.
Examples of justice must be made for terror to some; examples of
mercy
for comfort to others. Bacon.
2.
Compassionate treatment of the unfortunate and helpless; sometimes, favor, beneficence.
Luke x. 37.
3.
Disposition to exercise compassion or favor; pity; compassion; willingness to spare or to help.
In whom
mercy
lacketh and is not founden. Sir T. Elyot.
4.
A blessing regarded as a manifestation of compassion or favor.
The Father of
mercies
and the God of all comfort. 2 Cor. i. 3.
Mercy seat
(Bib.)
, the golden cover or lid of the Ark of the Covenant. See
– Ark
, 2. Sisters of Mercy
(R. C. Ch.)
,a religious order founded in Dublin in the year 1827. Communities of the same name have since been established in various American cities. The duties of those belonging to the order are, to attend lying-in hospitals, to superintend the education of girls, and protect decent women out of employment, to visit prisoners and the sick, and to attend persons condemned to death.
– To be at the mercy of
, to be wholly in the power of.
Syn. – See
Grace
. Webster 1828 Edition
Mercy
MER'CY
,Noun.
1.
That benevolence, mildness or tenderness of heart which disposes a person to overlook injuries, or to treat an offender better than he deserves; the disposition that tempers justice, and induces an injured person to forgive trespasses and injuries, and to forbear punishment, or inflict less than law or justice will warrant. In this sense, there is perhaps no word in our language precisely synonymous with mercy. That which comes nearest to it is grace. It implies benevolence, tenderness, mildness, pity or compassion, and clemency, but exercised only towards offenders. Mercy is a distinguishing attribute of the Supreme Being. The Lord is long-suffering and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty. Num.14.
2.
An act or exercise of mercy or favor. It is a mercy that they escaped. I am not worthy of the least of all thy mercies. Gen.32.
3.
Pity; compassion manifested towards a person in distress. And he said, he that showed mercy on him. Luke.10.
4.
Clemency and bounty. Mercy and truth preserve the king; and his throne is upheld by mercy. Prov.28.
5.
Charity, or the duties of charity and benevolence. I will have mercy and not sacrifice. Matt.9.
6.
Grace; favor. 1 Cor.7. Jude 2.7.
Eternal life, the fruit of mercy. 2 Tim.1.8.
Pardon. I cry thee mercy with all my heart.
9.
The act of sparing, or the forbearance of a violent act expected. The prisoner cried for mercy.To be or to lie at the mercy of, to have no means of self-defense, but to be dependent for safety on the mercy or compassion of another, or in the power of that which is irresistible; as, to be at the mercy of a foe, or of the waves.