n. [ F. mercier, fr. L. merx, mercis, wares, merchandise. See Merchant. ] Originally, a dealer in any kind of goods or wares; now restricted to a dealer in textile fabrics, as silks or woolens. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. -ized p. pr. & vb. n. -izing ] [ From (John) Mercer (1791-1866), an English calico printer who introduced the process + -ize. ] To treat (cotton fiber or fabrics) with a solution of caustic alkali. Such treatment causes the fiber to shrink in length and become stronger and more receptive of dyes. If the yarn or cloth is kept under tension during the process, it assumes a silky luster. -- Mer`cer*i*za"tion n. [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

n. The business of a mercer. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. mercerie. ] The trade of mercers; the goods in which a mercer deals. [ 1913 Webster ]