Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MER'CE-NA-RY, a. [Fr. mercenaire; L. mercenarius, from merces, reward, wages; mercor, to buy.]

1. Venal; that may be hired; actuated by the hope of reward; moved by the love of money; as, a mercenary prince or judge.
2. Hired; purchased by money; as, mercenary services; mercenary soldiers.
3. Sold for money; as, mercenary blood. Shak.
4. Greedy of gain; mean; selfish; as, a mercenary disposition.
5. Contracted from motives of gain; as, a mercenary marriage.