Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - mercy

 noun  (plural mercies)  Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, price paid, wages, from merc-, merx merchandise  Date: 13th century  1.  a. compassion or forbearance shown especially to an offender or to one subject to one's power; also lenient or compassionate treatment begged for ~  b. imprisonment rather than death imposed as penalty for first-degree murder  2.  a. a blessing that is an act of divine favor or compassion  b. a fortunate circumstance it was a ~ they found her before she froze  3. compassionate treatment of those in distress works of ~ among the poor  • ~ adjective Synonyms:  ~, charity, clemency, grace, leniency mean a disposition to show kindness or compassion. ~ implies compassion that forbears punishing even when justice demands it threw himself on the ~ of the court. charity stresses benevolence and goodwill shown in broad understanding and tolerance of others show a little charity for the less fortunate. clemency implies a mild or merciful disposition in one having the power or duty of punishing the judge refused to show clemency. grace implies a benign attitude and a willingness to grant favors or make concessions by the grace of God. leniency implies lack of severity in punishing criticized the courts for excessive leniency.