Mercy

Mercy

Mercy (Middle English, from Anglo-French merci, from Medieval Latin merced-, merces, from Latin, "price paid, wages", from merc-, merxi "merchandise") is a broad term that refers to benevolence, forgiveness and kindness in a variety of ethical, religious, social and legal contexts.

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Famous quotes containing the word mercy:

    Young children make only the simple assumption: “This is life—you go along....” He stands ready to go along with whatever adults seem to want. He stands poised, trying to figure out what they want. The young child is almost at the mercy of adults—it is so important to him to please.
    James L. Hymes, Jr. (20th century)

    A potent quack, long versed in human ills,
    Who first insults the victim whom he kills;
    Whose murd’rous hand a drowsy bench protect,
    And whose most tender mercy is neglect.
    George Crabbe (1754–1832)

    Every man beholds his human condition with a degree of melancholy. As a ship aground is battered by the waves, so man, imprisoned in mortal life, lies open to the mercy of coming events.
    Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803–1882)