MISERERE (the imperative of

See also:

• LAT

Lat. misereri, to have

See also:

• MERCY (adapted from Fr. merci, Lat. merces, reward)
• MERCY (or MERCI), FRANZ, FREIHERR VON

mercy or pity)  , the name of one of the penitential psalms (li.), from its opening words, Miserere mei, Deus . The word is frequently used in English as equivalent to "Misericord" (Lat. misericordia, pity, compassion) for various forms in which the rules of a monastic order, or general discipline of the clergy might be relaxed; thus it is applied to a special chamber in a monastery for those members who were allowed special food, drink, &c., and to a small bracket on the under side of the seat in a stall of a church made to turn up and afford support to a person in a position between sitting and standing . " Misericord " and " miserere " are also used of a small dagger, the " dagger of mercy," capable of passing between the joints of armour, with which the coup de grace might be given to a wounded man .