■ noun
1》 excellence; worth.
↘an examination grade denoting above-average performance.
2》 (usu. ~s ) a good point or feature.
↘( ~s ) chiefly Law the intrinsic rights and wrongs of a case.
↘( ~s ) Theology good deeds entitling someone to a future reward.
■ verb ( ~s , ~ing , ~ed ) deserve or be worthy of.
Origin
ME: via OFr. from L. ~um 'due reward', from mereri 'earn, deserve'.