Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MER-E-TRI'CIOUS, a. [L. meretricius, from meretrix, a prostitute.]

1. Pertaining to prostitutes; such as is practiced by harlots; as, meretricious arts.
2. Alluring by false show; worn for disguise; having a gaudy but deceitful appearance; false; as, meretricious dress or ornaments.