n.
- excellence; worth.
▸an examination grade denoting above-average performance.
-
(usu. merits)
a good point or feature.
▸
(merits)
chiefly Law the intrinsic rights and wrongs of a case.
▸
(merits)
Theology good deeds entitling someone to a future reward.
v.
(merits, meriting, merited)
deserve or be worthy of.
Etymology
ME: via OFr. from L. meritum ‘due reward’, from mereri ‘earn, deserve’.