A miserere, also called a misericord, is a projection on the underside of the seats of the choir stalls of medieval churches and chapels, etc. Misereres are usually ornamented with carved work, and are so shaped that when the seats proper are folded up they form a small seat at a higher level, sufficient to afford some support to a person resting upon it. Aged and infirm ecclesiastics were allowed to use these during long services.