Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Meretricious
Merˊe-tri′cious
,Adj.
[L.
meretricius
, from meretrix
, -icis
, a prostitute, lit., one who earns money, i. e., by prostitution, fr. merere
to earn, gain. See Merit
.] 1.
Of or pertaining to prostitutes; having to do with harlots; lustful;
as,
. meretricious
traffic2.
Resembling the arts of a harlot; alluring by false show; gaudily and deceitfully ornamental; tawdry;
– as,
. meretricious
dress or ornamentsMerˊe-tri′cious-ly
, adv.
Merˊe-tri′cious-ness
, Noun.
☞ The red-breasted merganser (
– Merganser serrator
) inhabits both hemispheres. It is called also sawbill
, harle
, and sheldrake
. The American merganser (Merganser Americanus
.) and the hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus
) are well-known species. White merganser
, the smew or white nun.
Webster 1828 Edition
Meretricious
MERETRI'CIOUS
,Adj.
1.
Pertaining to prostitutes; such as in practiced by harlots; as meretricious arts.2.
Alluring by false show; worn for disguise; having a gaudy but deceitful appearance; false; as meretricious dress or ornaments.