Definition of merit
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a
: a praiseworthy quality : virtue
But originality, as it is one of the highest, is also one of the rarest, of merits.— Edgar Allan Poe
b
: character or conduct deserving reward, honor, or esteem
also
: achievement
… he composed a number of works of merit. — H. E. Starr
c
: the qualities or actions that constitute the basis of one's deserts
Opinions of his merit vary.
d
obsolete
: reward or punishment due
2a
merits plural
: the substance of a legal case apart from matters of jurisdiction, procedure, or form
The plaintiff … is entitled to have its claim decided here on its merits.— T. M. Maddes
b
: individual significance or justification (see justification sense 1)
The contention is without merit.— E. B. Denny
3
: spiritual credit held to be earned by performance of righteous acts and to ensure future benefits
.,. the Crusades … did serve the desire to gain spiritual merit …— Jacques Barzun
merit
verb
merited; meriting; merits
Definition of merit (Entry 2 of 2)
: to be worthy of or entitled or liable to : earn
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for merit
The first known use of merit was in the 14th century
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