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 aobsolete : 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 : achievement2: spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits3 aplural : the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form b: individual significance or justification

— mer·it·less

\-ləs\ adjective

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