Meaning of laws-a-mercy | Babel Free

Definitions

A minced oath for "Lord have mercy".

Appalachia, Southern-US, dated, possibly

Examples

“"Laws-a-mercy!" exclaimed the old lady," I wonder⟳ if you kin tell⟳ true?" "The science never fails," replied a voice we had heard before. "Will you choose⟳ clairvoyance or the cards?" "It does not matter⟳ a mite to me."”

“"Laws-a-mercy! I gets eight pounds, and Mrs. Jones, thirty pounds and perquisites; and you, a young lady, that knows so much. Laws-a-mercy! what a shame."”

“"[...] laws-a-mercy! Laws-a-mercy! What shall we do? Everybody that can get⟳ away will light⟳ out, and who will hep those that have⟳ to stay⟳?"”

CEFR level