misericord

Meaning

1. (countable, uncountable) Relaxation of monastic rules.
2. (countable, uncountable) The room in a monastery for monks granted such relaxation.
3. (countable, uncountable) A ledge, sometimes ornately carved, attached to a folding church seat to provide support for a person standing for long periods; a subsellium.
4. (countable, uncountable) A medieval dagger, used for the mercy stroke to a wounded foe.

Synonyms

frater

refectory

mess-hall

Translations

refektorium

speisesaal

réfectoire

refettorio

comedor

refectorio

Etymology

Cognate with English: misericorde

In summary

From 1200–1250, from Middle English misericorde (“an act of clemency”) from Old French, from Latin misericordia (“pity”). Doublet of misericordia.