noun
mercer
MUR-suh
noun
1
A merchant who deals in fabrics and cloth, especially fine or luxury textiles like silk.
"The mercer laid out bolts of silk for the bride to choose from."
"His grandfather worked as a mercer on the high street before the war."
How to Use Mercer
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn old word for someone who sells cloth, especially fine fabric.
Common mistake
Rare outside historical or trade contexts (and as a surname) — you won't hear it used for a modern clothing retailer.
Common pairings
a silk mercer
mercer's guild
mercers and drapers
Word Forms
mercers plural
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The _____ laid out bolts of silk for the bride to choose from.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman mercer ("cloth merchant"), ultimately from Latin merx, "goods" or "merchandise."