GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Deserve (dḗ‑zẽrvˈ), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Deserved (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Deserving.] [OF. deservir, desservir, to merit, L. deservire to serve zealously, be devoted to; de- + servire to serve. See Serve.]
   1. To earn by service; to be worthy of (something due, either good or evil); to merit; to be entitled to; as, “the laborer deserves his wages; a work of value deserves praise.”
   
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   God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth. Job xi. 6.
   
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   John Gay deserved to be a favorite. Thackeray.
   
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   Encouragement is not held out to things that deserve reprehension. Burke.
   
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   2. To serve; to treat; to benefit. [Obs.]
   
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   A man that hath
   
   So well deserved me. Massinger.
   
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2.       
   deserve (dḗ‑zẽrvˈ), v. i. To be worthy of recompense; -- usually with ill or with well.
   
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   One man may merit or deserve of another. South.
   
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