\De*mer"it\, n. [F. d['e]m['e]rite 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. d['e]m['e]riter 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.