Scottish National Dictionary (1700–)
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First published 1965 (SND Vol. VI). Includes material from the 1976 supplement.
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
‡MERCIMENT, n. Also mercement.
1. Mercy, disposal, absolute jurisdiction (Bnff. 1962).Sc. 1738 Cushnie MSS. (Abd. Univ. Lib.) 1561:
I hereby fully impower you to dacker my Interest when you please and what Moss firr Timber is found therein shall be at your mercement.n.Sc. 1825 Jam.:
“I maun be at”, or “come in your merciment”; I must put myself completely under your power.s.Sc. 1839 Wilson's Tales of the Borders V. 94:
Wha kens what may com owre ye, if ye put yersel i' their merciment.Sc. 1840 G. Webster Ingliston xxx.:
It's hell upon yearth to be in siccan merciment.Fif. 1864 W. D. Latto T. Bodkin v.:
He resolved to place me under the merciment o' Mr Squeaker, the parish dominie.Abd. 1871 W. Alexander Johnny Gibb xlix.:
It's only at my merciment gin ye be lang here.
2. Used = mercy, an act of clemency or compassion, a benevolent dispensation (Ork. 1975). Ags. 1853 W. Blair Aberbrothock 6, 39:
He thankit the Lord for his merciments till him in keepin' his judgments frae affen' him. . . . It was a great merciment that the little smatchets hadna their een knockit oot wi'd.
