n. [ See Parcener, partner. ] (Law) The holding or occupation of an inheritable estate which descends from the ancestor to two or more persons; coheirship. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ It differs in many respects from joint tenancy, which is created by deed or devise. In the United States there is no essential distinction between parcenary and tenancy in common. Wharton. Kent. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ OE. mercenarie, F. mercenaire, fr. L. mercenarius, fr. merces wages, reward. See Mercy. ] 1. Acting for reward; serving for pay; paid; hired; hireling; venal; as, mercenary soldiers. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence: Moved primarily by considerations of pay or profit; greedy of gain; sordid; selfish. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

For God forbid I should my papers blot
With mercenary lines, with servile pen. Daniel. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- See Venal. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Mercenaries One who is hired; a hireling; especially, a soldier hired into foreign service. Milman. [ 1913 Webster ]