mĕrĭto

I. To earn, gain: vilicus, qui sestertia dena meritāsset, Cic. Verr. 2, 3, 50, § 119: Roscius histrio HS. D. annua meritāsse proditur, Plin. 7, 39, 40, § 129.—

II. To serve for pay, to serve as a soldier, be a soldier: meritavere Cato ait pro meruere, Paul. ex Fest. p. 152 Müll.: Siculas meritare per oras, Sil. 10, 656.