Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Mercer \Mer"cer\, 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.]

Source : WordNet®

mercer
     n 1: a dealer in textiles (especially silks)
     2: British maker of printed calico cloth who invented
        mercerizing (1791-1866) [syn: {John Mercer}]