a. [ L. meritorius that brings in money. ] Possessing merit; deserving of reward or honor; worthy of recompense; valuable. [ 1913 Webster ]
And meritorious shall that hand be called, Canonized, and worshiped as a saint. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
-- Mer`i*to"ri*ous*ly, adv. -- Mer`i*to"ri*ous*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]