misericord

English - English

Definition of misericord in English English dictionary

relaxation of monastic rules

a medieval dagger, used for the mercy stroke to a wounded foe

The room in a monastery for monks granted such relaxation

a subsellium

{i} special room for monks who are granted relaxation from monastery rule; short dagger used during the Middle Ages for striking a blow of mercy; support on the underside of hinged church seats

Related Terms

a misericord

misericorde

Hyphenation

mis·e·ri·cord

Etymology

() Established 1200–50 from Middle English misericorde (an act of clemency) from Middle French from Latin misericordia (pity).