GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

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.
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   Here may men see how sin hath his merit.
   Chaucer.
   
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   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.
   
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   Esp. in a good sense: The quality or state of deserving well; worth; excellence.
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   Reputation is . . . oft got without merit, and lost without deserving.
   Shak.
   
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   To him the wit of Greece and Rome was known,
   And every author's merit, but his own.
   Pope.
   
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   Reward deserved; any mark or token of excellence or approbation; as, his teacher gave him ten merits.
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   Those laurel groves, the merits of thy youth.
   Prior.
   
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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.
   
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   To reward. [R. & Obs.]
   Chapman.
   
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3.       
   Merit, v. i. To acquire desert; to gain value; to receive benefit; to profit. [Obs.]
   Beau. & Fl.
   
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