mercenary

MER'CENARY, a. [L. mercenarius, from merces, reward, wages, mercor, to guy.]

1. Venal; that may be hired; actuated by the hope of reward; moved by the love of money; as a mercenary prince or judge.

2. Hired; purchased by money; as mercenary services; mercenary soldiers.

3. Sold for money; as mercenary blood.

4. Greedy of gain; mean; selfish; as a mercenary disposition.

5. Contracted from motives of gain; as a mercenary marriage.

MER'CENARY, n. One who is hired; a soldier that is hired into foreign service; a hireling.