Meritorious \Mer`i*to"ri*ous\, a. [L. meritorius that brings in money.] Possessing merit; deserving of reward or honor; worthy of recompense; valuable. [1913 Webster] And meritorious shall that hand be called, Canonized, and worshiped as a saint. --Shak. [1913 Webster] -- {Mer`i*to"ri*ous*ly}, adv. -- {Mer`i*to"ri*ous*ness}, n. [1913 Webster]