Demerit

Definition of Demerit

De`mer´it

n.	1.	That which one merits or deserves, either of good or ill; desert. By many benefits and demerits whereby they obliged their adherents, [they] acquired this reputation. - Holland.
	2.	That which deserves blame; ill desert; a fault; a vice; misconduct; - the opposite of merit. They see no merit or demerit in any man or any action. - Burke. Secure, unless forfeited by any demerit or offense. - Sir W. Temple.
	3.	The state of one who deserves ill.
v. t.	1.	To deserve; - said in reference to both praise and blame. If I have demerited any love or thanks. - Udall. Executed as a traitor . . . as he well demerited. - State Trials (1645).
	2.	To depreciate or cry down.
v. i.	1.	To deserve praise or blame.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z