Misericordia \Mis`e*ri*cor"di*a\, n. [L., mercy, compassion;
   miser wretched + cor, cordis, heart.]
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   1. (O. Law) An amercement. --Burrill.
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   2. (Anc. Armor.) A thin-bladed dagger; so called, in the
      Middle Ages, because used to give the death wound or
      "mercy" stroke to a fallen adversary.
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   3. (Eccl.) An indulgence as to food or dress granted to a
      member of a religious order. --Shipley.
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MISERICORDIA, mercy. An arbitrary or discretionary amercement.
     2. To be in mercy, is to be liable to such punishment as the judge may 
in his discretion inflict. According to Spelman, misericordia is so called, 
because the party is in mercy, and to distinguish this fine from 
redemptions, or heavy fines. Spelm. GI. ad voc.; see Co. Litt. 126 b, and 
Madox's Excheq. c. 14. See Judgment of Misericordia.