%meretricious%

a. [ L. meretricius, from meretrix, -icis, a prostitute, lit., one who earns money, i. e., by prostitution, fr. merere to earn, gain. See Merit. ] 1. Of or pertaining to prostitutes; having to do with harlots; lustful; as, meretricious traffic. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Resembling the arts of a harlot; alluring by false show; gaudily and deceitfully ornamental; tawdry; as, meretricious dress or ornaments. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Deceptive or based on deception; seeming plausible, but based on pretense or insincerity; deceptive; misleading; insincere; specious; as, meretricious arguments. [ PJC ]

-- Mer`e*tri"cious*ly, adv. -- Mer`e*tri"cious*ness, n. [ 1913 Webster ]