merc en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
- /mɜːk/ (Received-Pronunciation)
- /mɝk/ (General-American)
Etymology
Clipping of mercenary. For the /k/ compare bike.
Meanings
-
(slang) A mercenary.
He had a feeling the scarf was the one he'd really have to watch out for; he couldn't say why. “What if those mercs scope us leaving?”
1999, William Gibson, All Tomorrow's Parties (Bridge trilogy; book 3), New York, N.Y.: Viking Press, →ISBN, page 199:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| mercs | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Synonyms
hit man · condottiere · freebooter · merc · free companion · freelance · filibuster · soldier of fortune · hired gun · private military contractor · bravo · sellsword · mercenary · adventurer · hireling