Deserve /(dē̇*zẽrv")/

imp. & p. p. Deserved; p. pr. & vb. n. Deserving

1. To earn by service; to be worthy of (something due, either good or evil); to merit; to be entitled to; as, the laborer deserves his wages; a work of value deserves praise.

   God exacteth of thee less than thine iniquity deserveth.

   John Gay deserved to be a favorite.

   Encouragement is not held out to things that deserve reprehension.

2. To serve; to treat; to benefit. [Obs.]

   A man that hath So well deserved me.

1. To be worthy of recompense; -- usually with ill or with well.

   One man may merit or deserve of another.