Mĕr'e-tri'cious, a.

(-trish'us), a. [Lat. meretricius, from meretrix, a prostitute, literally one who earns money, i. e., by prostitution, from merere, to earn, gain; It. & Sp. meretricio.]

1. Pertaining to prostitutes; having to do with harlots; lustful; as, meretricious arts.
2. Resembling the arts of a harlot; alluring by false show; gaudily and deceitfully ornamental; tawdry; showy; as, meretricious dress or ornaments.