Comm. [f. LAW sb.1 + MERCHANT a., in imitation of the med.L. lex mercatoria.] A special system of rules for the regulation of trade and commerce, differing in some respects from the Common Law.
1622. Malynes (title), Consuetudo vel Lex Mercatoria, or the Ancient Law-Merchant.
1663. Marvell, Corr., xl. Wks. 1872–5, II. 88. Those things may better be redressed by the law merchant, or lex mercatoria.
a. 1687. Petty, Pol. Arith., i. (1691), 22. Liberty of Conscience, Registry of Conveyances,… and Law Merchant, rise all from the same Spring, tend to the same Sea.
1777. Sheridan, Sch. Scand., II. ii. Yes, madam, I would have law merchant for them too.
1856. H. Broome, Comm. Common Law, 11. Lord Campbell remarks that the general lien of bankers is part of the law merchant.
