[ˈməːsi], (Noun)

Definitions:
- compassion or forgiveness shown towards someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm
(e.g: the boy was screaming and begging for mercy)


Phrases:
- at the mercy of
- be grateful for small mercies
- have mercy on
- leave someone or something to the mercy of
- throw oneself on someone's mercy

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French merci ‘pity’ or ‘thanks’, from Latin merces, merced- ‘reward’, in Christian Latin ‘pity, favour, heavenly reward’

[ˈməːsi], (Interjection)

Definitions:
- used in expressions of surprise or fear
(e.g: ‘Mercy me!’ uttered Mrs Diggory)


Phrases:
- at the mercy of
- be grateful for small mercies
- have mercy on
- leave someone or something to the mercy of
- throw oneself on someone's mercy

Origin:
Middle English: from Old French merci ‘pity’ or ‘thanks’, from Latin merces, merced- ‘reward’, in Christian Latin ‘pity, favour, heavenly reward’