merchandise

{{11}}merchandise (n.) mid-13c., "trading, commerce;" mid-14c., "commodities of commerce, wares, articles for sale or trade," from Anglo-Fr. marchaundise, O.Fr. marcheandise "goods, merchandise; trade, business" (12c.), from marchaunt "merchant" (see MERCHANT (Cf. merchant)).

{{12}}merchandise (v.) also merchandize, "to buy and sell; to market," late 14c.; see MERCHANT (Cf. merchant) + -IZE (Cf. -ize). Meaning "promote the sale of goods" is from 1926. Related: Merchandising; MERCHANDIZING (Cf. merchandizing).