D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Merciful

/mẽrs'-ĭf-əl/ · Mer·ci·ful · IPA /ˈmɝsɪfl̩/
01 a. Full of mercy; having or exercising mercy; disposed to pity and spare offenders; unwilling to punish. Opposite of merciless.
  1. 1.
    Full of mercy; having or exercising mercy; disposed to pity and spare offenders; unwilling to punish. Opposite of merciless.
    “The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious.” — Ex. xxxiv. 6.
    “Be merciful, great duke, to men of mold.” Shak.
  2. 2.
    Unwilling to give pain; compassionate.
    “A merciful man will be merciful to his beast.” — Old Proverb.