Skip to main content
misericordia

misericordia

9.9
A small wooden ledge under a choir seat that supports someone standing
  • noun
  • /ˌmɪzəˈrɪkɔːrdiə/
  • Archaic
translation icon : misericordia
  • During the lengthy service, the singers rested on the misericordia for support.

Examples

  • Carved figures decorate the underside of every misericordia in the cathedral.

  • The ancient church still has its original misericordia beneath each choir seat.

  • The misericordia provided comfort during the long service.

  • Many churches have a misericordia for the choir.

  • The ancient church still has its original misericordia beneath each choir seat.

  • Carved figures decorate the underside of every misericordia in the cathedral.

  • During the lengthy service, the choir members relied on the misericordia for support.

Synonyms

subiculum
vsmisericordia
  • Archaic
9.9

A small low seat or footstool used in ancient homes

is a fixed small ledge used to support people standing during long services

How Comfortable

armchair
42 1.0
chair
1.0
misericordia
  • Archaic
9.9
stool
95 1.0
bench
210 1.0

Surface Forms

misericordia singular
misericordias plural

Etymology

Misericordia for the church seat is named from Latin miser ('miserable') and cor ('heart') because it was a small wooden 'mercy' under the seat to help people stand during long services. In other words, the tiny ledge gives gentle support, which is why it kept the name misericordia.