{"era":"current","word":"mercy","meaning":"Compassion or forgiveness shown toward someone whom it is within one's power to punish or harm.","children":[{"era":"1200s","word":"merci","meaning":"reward, favor, kindness, pity","children":[{"era":"classical","word":"mercēdem","meaning":"reward, payment","children":[{"era":"classical","word":"merx","meaning":"wares, wage, price","children":[],"language":"Latin"}],"language":"Vulgar Latin"}],"language":"Old French"}],"language":"Modern English"}