Definition for

mercy


noun – Pitying forbearance or forgiveness; compassionate leniency toward enemies or wrongdoers; the disposition to treat offenders kindly or tenderly; the exercise of clemency in favor of an offender.

noun – An act or exercise of forbearance, good will, or favor; also, a kindness undeserved or unexpected; a fortunate or providential circumstance; a blessing: as, it is a mercy that they escaped.

noun – Pity; compassion; benevolence: as, awork of mercy.

noun – Discretionary action; unrestrained exercise of the will and the power to punish and to spare: as, to be at one's mercy (that is, wholly in one's power).

noun – To proclaim a tax.

noun – Synonyms Clemency, etc. See leniency.

noun – In criminal law, partial remission of a punishment to which a convict is subject, as distinguished from pardon, or total remission.

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