misericord

noun
mi·​ser·​i·​cord | \ mə-ˈzer-ə-ˌkȯrd How to pronounce misericord (audio) , -ˈser-\
variants: or less commonly misericorde

Definition of misericord

: a small projection on the bottom of a hinged church seat that gives support to a standing worshipper when the seat is turned up

First Known Use of misericord

circa 1515, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for misericord

Medieval Latin misericordia seat in church, from Latin, mercy, from misericord-, misericors merciful, from misereri + cord-, cor heart — more at heart

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