— meretriciously , adv. — meretriciousness , n.
/mer'i trish"euhs/ , adj.
1. alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry.
2. based on pretense, deception, or insincerity.
3. pertaining to or characteristic of a prostitute.
[ 1620-30; meretricius of, pertaining to prostitutes, der. of meretrix prostitute = mere-, s. of merere to earn + -trix -TRIX; see -OUS ]
Syn. 1. showy, gaudy. 2. spurious, sham, false.