ENGLISH
REFERENCE

mercer

n. countable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈmɝsɝ// UK //mˈɜːsɐ// mer·cer

n. a person who sells expensive fabrics, especially silk and velvet. This was a common job in the past.

n. a dealer in textile fabrics, particularly high-quality silks and other costly materials. Historically, the term refers to a member of a specific trade guild.


SIMPLE

The mercer showed the queen several rolls of fine silk.

CONTEXTUAL

In medieval London, a wealthy mercer might supply the royal court with imported velvets and embroidered cloths.

COMPLEX

The rise of the merchant class allowed the local mercer to accumulate significant political influence within the city's governing council.

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