v. t. To merit or deserve beforehand. [ Obs. ] Eikon Basi&unr_;&unr_;ke. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

By many benefits and demerits whereby they obliged their adherents, [ they ] acquired this reputation. Holland. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which deserves blame; ill desert; a fault; a vice; misconduct; -- the opposite of merit. [ 1913 Webster ]

They see no merit or demerit in any man or any action. Burke. [ 1913 Webster ]

Secure, unless forfeited by any demerit or offense. Sir W. Temple. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The state of one who deserves ill. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ Cf. F. démériter to deserve ill. See Demerit, n. ] 1. To deserve; -- said in reference to both praise and blame. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

If I have demerited any love or thanks. Udall. [ 1913 Webster ]

Executed as a traitor . . . as he well demerited. State Trials (1645). [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To depreciate or cry down. [ R. ] Bp. Woolton. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To deserve praise or blame. [ 1913 Webster ]