I. ˈmer-ət, ˈme-rət noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French merite, from Latin meritum, from neuter of meritus, past participle of merēre to deserve, earn; akin to Greek meiresthai to receive as one's portion, meros part
Date: 14th century
1.
a. obsolete : reward or punishment due
b. : the qualities or actions that constitute the basis of one's deserts
c. : a praiseworthy quality : virtue
d. : character or conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem ; also : achievement
2. : spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits
3.
a. plural : the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form
b. : individual significance or justification
• mer·it·less -ləs adjective
II. verb
Date: 1526
transitive verb
: to be worthy of or entitled or liable to : earn
intransitive verb
1. obsolete : to be entitled to reward or honor
2. : deserve