from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Meretricious \Mer`e*tri"cious\, a. [L. meretricius, from
meretrix, -icis, a prostitute, lit., one who earns money, i.
e., by prostitution, fr. merere to earn, gain. See {Merit}.]
1. Of or pertaining to prostitutes; having to do with
harlots; lustful; as, meretricious traffic.
[1913 Webster]
2. Resembling the arts of a harlot; alluring by false show;
gaudily and deceitfully ornamental; tawdry; as,
meretricious dress or ornaments.
[1913 Webster]
3. Deceptive or based on deception; seeming plausible, but
based on pretense or insincerity; deceptive; misleading;
insincere; specious; as, meretricious arguments.
[PJC] -- {Mer`e*tri"cious*ly}, adv. --
{Mer`e*tri"cious*ness}, n.
[1913 Webster]