De*mer"it (?), n. [F.
démérite demerit (in sense 2), OF.
demerite demerit (in sense 1), fr. L. demerere to
deserve well, LL., to deserve well or ill; de- + merere
to deserve. See De-, and Merit.] 1.
That which one merits or deserves, either of good or ill;
desert. [Obs.]
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.
De*mer"it, v. t. [Cf. F.
démériter to deserve ill. See Demerit,
n.] 1. To deserve; -- said in
reference to both praise and blame. [Obs.]
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. [R.]
Bp. Woolton.
De*mer"it, v. i. To deserve praise
or blame.
