Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Merchant \Mer"chant\, n. [OE. marchant, OF. marcheant, F.
   marchand, fr. LL. mercatans, -antis, p. pr. of mercatare to
   negotiate, L. mercari to traffic, fr. merx, mercis, wares.
   See {Market}, {Merit}, and cf. {Commerce}.]
   1. One who traffics on a large scale, especially with foreign
      countries; a trafficker; a trader.

            Others, like merchants, venture trade abroad.
                                                  --Shak.

   2. A trading vessel; a merchantman. [Obs.] --Shak.

   3. One who keeps a store or shop for the sale of goods; a
      shopkeeper. [U. S. & Scot.]

Merchant \Mer"chant\, a.
   Of, pertaining to, or employed in, trade or merchandise; as,
   the merchant service.

   {Merchant bar}, {Merchant iron} or {steel}, certain common
      sizes of wrought iron and steel bars.

   {Merchant service}, the mercantile marine of a country. --Am.
      Cyc.

   {Merchant ship}, a ship employed in commerce.

   {Merchant tailor}, a tailor who keeps and sells materials for
      the garments which he makes.

Merchant \Mer"chant\, v. i.
   To be a merchant; to trade. [Obs.]

Source : WordNet®

merchant
     n : a businessperson engaged in retail trade [syn: {merchandiser}]