Merit \Mer"it\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Merited}; p. pr. & vb. n.
{Meriting}.] [F. m['e]riter, L. meritare, v. intens. fr.
merere. See {Merit}, n.]
1. To earn by service or performance; to have a right to
claim as reward; to deserve; sometimes, to deserve in a
bad sense; as, to merit punishment. "This kindness merits
thanks." --Shak.
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2. To reward. [R. & Obs.] --Chapman.
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