Mercy

Mercy (, ; from Middle English, from Anglo-Frenchmerci, from Medieval Latinmerced-, merces "price paid, wages", from Latinmerc-, merxi "merchandise") is , forgiveness, and kindness in a variety of ethical, religious, social, and legal contexts.

In the social and legal context, mercy may refer both to compassionate behavior on the part of those in power (e.g. mercy shown by a judge toward a convict), or on the part of a humanitarian third party (e.g., a mission of mercy aiming to treat war victims).