Miserere

Miserere (the imperative of Latin misereri, to have mercy or pity), the name of one of the Penitential Psalms (Psalm 51), from its opening words, Miserere mei, Deus. The best-known setting of the Miserere was composed by Gregorio Allegri.

Related Topics:
Latin - Penitential Psalms - Psalm 51 - Setting of the Miserere - Gregorio Allegri

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The word is frequently used in English as equivalent to Misericord (Lat. misericordia, pity, compassion) for various forms in which the rules of a monastic order or general discipline of the clergy might be relaxed; thus it is applied to. a special chamber in a monastery for those members who were allowed special food, drink, &c., and to a small bracket on the under side of the seat in a stall of a church made to turn up and afford support to a person in a position between sitting and standing.

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Misericord and miserere are also used of a small dagger, the dagger of mercy, capable of passing between the joints of armour, with which the coup de grâce might be given to a wounded man.

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