Medieval · word · interjection
Gramercy
gruh-MUR-see /ɡɹəˈmɜːsi/ (UK), /ɡɹəˈmɝsi/ (US)pronunciation given by a dictionary
First recordedc. 1300
'Great thanks!' — from Old French 'grant merci'. First an exclamation of thanks, later also of surprise. Modern French 'merci' is a shortening of the same phrase.
Where it was first recorded
Dated by Etymonline (c. 1300), which does not name the work.
Also spelled: graunt mercy, grand mercy, gra-mercy, gramerci
In its own time
Gramercy, wouldst thou aught with me?
Today
Modern exampleGramercy for the lift — I'd still be at the bus stop without you.
Harmless and charming — a playful, old-world way to say thanks.
Questions
What does gramercy mean?
'Great thanks!' — from Old French 'grant merci'. First an exclamation of thanks, later also of surprise. Modern French 'merci' is a shortening of the same phrase.
When was gramercy first used?
It is first recorded c. 1300.
Can you still use gramercy today?
Harmless and charming — a playful, old-world way to say thanks.
Sources
- gramercy — Etymonline (Online Etymology Dictionary)
- gramercy — Merriam-Webster
- gramercy — Wiktionary
- The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (The Merchant of Venice) — Project Gutenberg
- Chaucer's Works, vol. 4: The Canterbury Tales (ed. Skeat) — Project Gutenberg
Checked 2026-09-30 · verdict: attested — found in the dictionaries and texts listed above