affidavit of merits

: an affidavit made by a party to an action (as to prevent the automatic entry of judgment against that party) setting forth that the party has a substantial and genuine ground of action or defense and that the complaint or plea filed is not sham or dilatory

Word History

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of affidavit of merits was in 1799

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near affidavit of merits

Cite this Entry

“Affidavit of merits.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/affidavit%20of%20merits. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!