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possession or use of; to escape loss of. Just saving the tide, and putting in a stock of merit. Swift. To save appearance, to preserve a decent outside; to avoid exposure of a discreditable state of things.

An exaggerated estimate of one's own importance or merit, esp. as manifested by the conduct or manners; self-conceit.

Having or manifesting an exaggerated idea of one's own importance or merit.

a French monk (died about 448), who modified the doctrines of Pelagius, by denying human merit, and maintaining the necessity of the Spirit's influence, while, on the other hand, he rejected the Augustinian doctrines of election, the inability of man to do good, and the certain perseverance of the saints.…

ius, having the quick sense of a lover. Sir P. Sidney. High disdain from sense of injured merit. Milton.

Shadow. [Poetic.] Envy will merit, as its shade, pursue. Pope.

that place the sharp Athenian law Can not pursue us. Shak. Be thy words severe, Sharp as merits but the sword forbear. Dryden.

Absence of mention; oblivion. And what most merits fame, in silence hid. Milton.

ful rejection; contemptuous tratment. The insolence of office and the spurns That patient merit of the unworthy takes. Shak.

ellent quality; conforming to the highest standard; of full value; as, a work of sterling merit; a man of sterling good sense.

g in idea or accomplishing a result. The ornamental style also possesses its own peculiar merit. Sir J. Reynolds.

Soil; tarnish; stain. A noble and triumphant merit breaks through little spots and sullies in his reputation. Spectator.

e greatness, or value of any quality; greater in quality or degree; as, a man of superior merit; or of superior bravery.

e quality, state, or condition of being superior; as, superiority of rank; superiority in merit.

the person he suspects. South. Many mischievous insects are daily at work to make men of merit suspicious of each other. Pope.

Temerity. [Obs.] Jer. Taylor.

A certificate of merit or proficiency; -- so called from the Latin words, Ita testamur, with which it commences.

Proudly; haughtily. [A Latinism. R.] One of great merit turbidly resents them. Young.

One of no merit; one who is nor deserving or worthy. [Obs.] Shak.

Finished without a nap. I did not attempt her with a threadbare name, Unnapped with meritorious actions. Beau. & Fl.