mercy

noun pl. mercies

1. a refraining from harming or punishing offenders, enemies, persons in one's power, etc.; kindness in excess of what may be expected or demanded by fairness; forbearance and compassion
2. imprisonment rather than the death penalty imposed on those found guilty of capital crimes
3. a disposition to forgive, pity, or be kind
4. the power to forgive or be kind; clemency: to throw oneself on the mercy of the court
5. kind or compassionate treatment; relief of suffering
6. a fortunate thing; thing to be grateful for; blessing: a mercy he wasn't killed

Origin: OFr merci < L merces, hire, payment, reward (in LL, mercy, pity, favor) < merx, wares: see market

interjection