n.
Pronunciation: ' mer- ə t, ' me-r ə t
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French merite, from Latin meritum, from neuter of meritus, past participle of mer ē re 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 \ -l ə s \ adjective