misericords
/ˌmɪzərɪˈkɔrdz/
noun
- Small shelves or ledges on the underside of folding seats in church choirs, designed to give support to a person standing during long services.
- During the long prayer, the monks rested against the misericords to ease their tired legs.
- The medieval misericords in the cathedral were carved with intricate scenes from daily life.
- The tour guide pointed out the hidden misericords under the choir seats, decorated with mythical creatures.