n. & v.
n. 1 the quality of deserving well. 2 excellence, worth. 3 (usu. in pl.) a a thing that entitles one to reward or gratitude. b esp. Law intrinsic rights and wrongs (the merits of a case). 4 Theol. good deeds as entitling to a future reward.
v.tr. (merited, meriting) deserve or be worthy of (reward, punishment, consideration, etc.). make a merit of regard or represent (one's own conduct) as praiseworthy. on its merits with regard only to its intrinsic worth. Order of Merit Brit. an order founded in 1902, for distinguished achievement.
[ ME f. OF merite f. L meritum price, value, = past part. of mereri earn, deserve ]