E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Mercuriale (4 syl., French).
An harangue or rebuke; so called from Mercuriale, as the first Wednesday after the great vacation of the Parliament under the old French régime used to be called. On this day the house discussed grievances, and reprimanded members for misconduct.
