misericord

noun

mi·​ser·​i·​cord mə-ˈzer-ə-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce misericord (audio)
-ˈser-
variants or less commonly misericorde
: a small projection on the bottom of a hinged church seat that gives support to a standing worshipper when the seat is turned up

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin misericordia seat in church, from Latin, mercy, from misericord-, misericors merciful, from misereri + cord-, cor heart — more at heart

First Known Use

circa 1515, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of misericord was circa 1515

Dictionary Entries Near misericord

Cite this Entry

“Misericord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/misericord. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

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