n.
- The theory and system of political economy prevailing in Europe after the decline of feudalism, based on national policies of accumulating bullion, establishing colonies and a merchant marine, and developing industry and mining to attain a favorable balance of trade.
- The practice, methods, or spirit of merchants; commercialism.
[MERCANTIL(E) + -ISM.]
mercantilist mer'can·til·ist adj. & n.mercantilistic mer'can·til·is'tic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.