means A person who buys and sells goods for profit, especially one who trades in large quantities or across distances.

from From Old French 'marcheant,' which came from Vulgar Latin 'mercatans,' rooted in Latin 'mercari' — to trade — and ultimately 'merx,' meaning merchandise or wares. The same 'merx' family gives us 'market,' 'commerce,' and 'mercenary,' and may trace back to Mercury, the Roman god of trade and travelers — a fitting patron for anyone making a living between buyer and seller.