Answer:
Definition of Mercantilism. Noun. An archaic economic system in which the power and monetary wealth of a country were built through strict governmental regulation of the economy, and an accumulation of bullion. Origin. 1870-1875 French mercantilisme.
Mercantilism was a form of economic nationalism that sought to increase the prosperity and power of a nation through restrictive trade practices. Its goal was to increase the supply of a state's gold and silver with exports rather than to deplete it through imports. It also sought to support domestic employment.