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A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)

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First published 1951 (DOST Vol. II).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.

Demerit, Demereit, v. Also: demaryt, -merite, -meret. [e.m.E. demerit (1538), -merite, L. dēmerit-, ppl. stem of dēmerērī.] tr. and intr. To merit or deserve. 1452 Aberd. B. Rec. I. 20.
Quhatsumeuer thing the forsaides persounes devises, … thar sal naman contrar, agayne call, na agaynstand, undir pane that thai sall demaryt as brekaris of commoune ordinance 1581 Sat. P. xliii. 128.
His valiant deidis demereitis not to die 1581 Burne Disput. 30.
The synnis, for the quhilk thay demereit to heir this feirful sentence c1590 Fowler I. 104/16.
These Troians two who by thair deidis demereted the same 1590 Reg. Morton I. 167.
He thocht Andro Ker hes not demerited weill at my hand 1598 Crim. Trials II. i. 38.
Demereiting thairby maist hie and worthie pwneischment 1619 Garden Elphinstoun 2695.
For's grett and good deserts Weell dois demereit now A book of brass 1641 Acts V. 409/2.
To have approven or censured me according as I sould have bene found to demerite