Mer″it, v. t. [imp. & p. p.Merited; p. pr. & vb. n.Meriting.] [F. mériter, 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.
2. To reward. Chapman.