Main Entry: ¹mer·it

Pronunciation: \ˈmer-ət, ˈme-rət\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French merite, from Latin meritum, from neuter of meritus, past participle of merēre 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 \-ləs\ adjective