DEMERIT

demerit. Demerit, n. an ill-deserving, crime, guilt, desert

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De‐mer″it (?), n. [[F. démérite 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. 1. That which one merits or deserves, either of good or ill; desert.
By many benefits and demerits whereby they obliged their adherents, acquired this reputation. Holland. 2. 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. 3. The state of one who deserves ill.