# mercer

/ˈmɝsɝ/ (US) · /mˈɜːsɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/mercer
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a fabric merchant

noun · CEFR C2 · Archaic · British English

a person who sells fine fabrics, especially silk and velvet.

For teachers: a merchant who deals in textiles, specifically high-quality fabrics such as silk, velvet, and fine linen.

- In the old market, the mercer displayed his finest silks to the wealthy customers.
- The guild of mercers held significant political influence in medieval London, controlling the trade of luxury textiles imported from the East.

Usage: Commonly encountered in historical literature or when referring to the Livery Companies of the City of London.

## Examples

- The mercer showed the queen several rolls of fine silk.
- In medieval London, a wealthy mercer might supply the royal court with imported velvets and embroidered cloths.
- 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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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.