(chiefly US, law) Referring to a judgment, decision, or ruling of a court whose decision rests upon the law as it applies to the particular evidence and facts presented in the case.

(idiomatic) Considering only intrinsic good points and bad points, without prejudice or other considerations, such as procedural ones.

plural of figure of merit

a numerical value used in comparing the quality or performance of different methods, systems, or devices.

(economics) A commodity that an individual or society should have on the basis of some concept of need, rather than ability and willingness to pay.

plural of merit good

(Tibetan Buddhism) a pictorial representation, usually represented on a thangka, of the triratna and lama for the purpose of veneration when taking Refuge.

plural of merit field

plural of merit badge

(Scouting, US) An award earned by youth members of the Boy Scouts of America (BSA), based on activities within an area of study, by completing a list of requirements. The award is represented by a circular patch with an image representing the badge's topic.