stonecatchers

Noun

stonecatcher (plural stonecatchers)

1. Something that catches or traps stones.
   • The dirt and stones detached from the beets are deposited on the floor of the stonecatcher, or receiver, fixed to the back part of this machine, from which they are from time to time emptied out from below;1889, Reports from the Consuls of the United States, page 114
2. (figuratively) A person who shows mercy by intervening when someone is treated with overly harsh or cruel punishments.
   • But today, our self-righteousness, our fear, and our anger have caused even the Christians to hurl stones at the people who fall down, even when we know we should forgive or show compassion. I told the congregation that we can't simply watch that happen. I told them we have to be stonecatchers.2014, Bryan Stevenson, Just Mercy, page 309