Mercis

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An archaic or poetic plural term referring to acts of compassion or forgiveness ; obsolete form of gratitude or favors given ; may also denote mercies received from a divine or higher source
2. Used historically to describe multiple instances of kindness or clemency ; an old-fashioned way to talk about received blessings or pardons ; sometimes signifies charitable gifts or good deeds
3. An outmoded plural for benevolent acts, pardons, or gifts ; poetic language for expressions of thankfulness or favor ; could also mean spiritual or divine blessings

Etymology: "Mercis" is the plural of "merci," which English borrowed from French, where "merci" meant "thank you." The French word itself grew from the same Latin root as "mercy," so the two are doublets: one came into English through French, the other by a more direct route, and they have drifted apart in meaning. "Mercy" came to stand for compassion and forgiveness, while "merci" kept its sense of gratitude and courtesy. The plural form is the unusual part. English speakers treated "merci" as a noun that could be counted, so "mercis" came to mean individual kindnesses, favors, or pardons, rather than a single abstract quality. Over time that sense of separate acts of grace gave way to a more general sense of gratitude, and the plural now survives mainly in poetic and archaic writing.

Synonyms: thank yous, gratitudes