ETYM Old Eng. merci, French merci, Latin merces, mercedis, hire, pay, reward, Late Lat., equiv. to misericordia pity, mercy. Latin merces is prob. akin to merere to deserve, acquire. Related to Merit, Amerce.
1. Alleviation of distress; showing great kindness toward the distressed.
2. Something for which to be thankful.