GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Merit , n. [F. mérite, L. meritum, fr. merere, mereri, to deserve, merit; prob. originally, to get a share; akin to Gr.  part,  fate, doom,  to receive as one's portion. Cf. Market, Merchant, Mercer, Mercy.]
   The quality or state of deserving well or ill; desert.
   1913 Webster
   Here may men see how sin hath his merit.
   Chaucer.
   
   1913 Webster
   Be it known, that we, the greatest, are misthought
   For things that others do; and when we fall,
   We answer other's merits in our name.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   Esp. in a good sense: The quality or state of deserving well; worth; excellence.
   1913 Webster
   Reputation is . . . oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To him the wit of Greece and Rome was known,
   And every author's merit, but his own.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   Reward deserved; any mark or token of excellence or approbation; as, his teacher gave him ten merits.
   1913 Webster
   Those laurel groves, the merits of thy youth.
   Prior.
   
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

2.       
   Merit, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Merited; p. pr. & vb. n. Meriting.] [F. mériter, L. meritare, v. intens. fr. merere. See Merit, n.]
   To earn by service or performance; to have a right to claim as reward; to deserve; sometimes, to deserve in a bad sense; as, to merit punishment. “This kindness merits thanks.” 
   Shak.
   
   1913 Webster
   To reward. [R. & Obs.]
   Chapman.
   
   1913 Webster
         
       

3.       
   Merit, v. i. To acquire desert; to gain value; to receive benefit; to profit. [Obs.]
   Beau. & Fl.
   
   1913 Webster