mercer Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a dealer in textiles (especially silks)
  2. noun British maker of printed calico cloth who invented mercerizing (1791-1866)
    John Mercer.

WordNet

Mer"cer noun
Etymology
F. mercier, fr. L. merx, mercis, wares, merchandise. See Merchant.
Definitions
  1. Originally, a dealer in any kind of goods or wares; now restricted to a dealer in textile fabrics, as silks or woolens. Eng.

Webster 1913