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. ]
By many benefits and demerits whereby they obliged their adherents, [ they ] acquired this reputation. Holland. [ 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 ]
v. t. [ Cf. F. démériter to deserve ill. See Demerit, n. ]
If I have demerited any love or thanks. Udall. [ 1913 Webster ]
Executed as a traitor . . . as he well demerited. State Trials (1645). [ 1913 Webster ]
v. i. To deserve praise or blame. [ 1913 Webster ]