Emeritum

Pronunciation

• RP enPR: Ä­mĕʹrÄ­tÉ™m, IPA: /ɪˈmɛɹɪtÉ™m/

Origin

From the Latin ēmeritum ("a thing earned upon completion of a term of service"), a substantive use of the neuter singular form of ēmeritus ("earned”, “merited”, “having been earned”; “served”, “having done one’s service"), the perfect passive participle of ēmereō ("I earn”, “I merit").

Full definition of emeritum

Noun

1. (Ancient Roman history) A bounty awarded to a soldier upon the completion of his term of service.
• 1854: Johann Joachim Eschenburg, Manual of Classical Literature, page 275At the expiration of the term of service, the soldiers received a bounty or donation in land or money, which was sometimes called emeritum; those who had served their time out being also called emeriti.