also merchandize, "to buy and sell; to market," late 14c.; see merchant + -ize. Meaning "promote the sale of goods" is from 1926. Related: Merchandising; merchandizing.[merchandise etymology, merchandise origin, 英语词源]
late 14c., "goods, commodities," from present participle of merchandize. Meaning "trade, commerce" is from mid-15c. That of "promotion of goods for sale" is from 1922.