What does mercery mean?
A mercery is a specialized shop or section of a store that sells a variety of sewing supplies, trimmings, and haberdashery items. These can include threads, buttons, lace, ribbons, and other materials used for sewing, crafting, or decorating clothing and textiles. The term has historical roots and is less commonly used in contemporary language, where terms like haberdashery or sewing supply store have become more standard. However, mercery evokes a charming, nostalgic image of a quaint shop filled with an assortment of colorful fabrics, threads, and trimmings. This term can be particularly useful in historical or literary contexts where accuracy and period detail are important. Understanding what a mercery is can also provide insight into the lives of seamstresses, tailors, and crafters who rely on such shops for their materials.
nounA mercery is a shop or a section of a store that sells haberdashery, trimmings, and sewing supplies. It can also refer to the goods sold in such a shop.
- A shop or section selling haberdashery and sewing supplies
- The goods sold in such a shop
"The seamstress visited the mercery to buy threads and buttons for her latest project."
"The mercery on Main Street has a wide selection of fabrics and threads."
"She browsed the mercery for hours, picking out lace and ribbons for her wedding dress."
The plural form is used when referring to multiple shops or sections.
"The city had several merceries that catered to the local tailors and seamstresses."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of mercery
The word mercery has its origins in the Old French term 'mercerie,' which referred to goods sold by a mercer, a merchant who dealt in fabrics, especially silk and woolen goods. The term is related to the Latin 'merx,' meaning 'merchandise' or 'goods.' Over time, the term mercery has evolved to specifically denote a shop or section of a store selling haberdashery and sewing supplies.
Usage notes
The term mercery is somewhat old-fashioned and is more commonly used in historical or literary contexts. In modern usage, terms like haberdashery or sewing supply store are more commonly used.