A History of Short Words

From the New York Times Crossword Puzzle

MERIT

Sat, 19 Oct '24
"Charms strike the sight, but ___ wins the soul": Alexander Pope
Fri, 22 Dec '23
Deservingness
Sat, 21 Oct '23
Kind of badge
Fri, 12 May '23
Be worthy of
Mon, 26 Dec '22
___ badge (award for a scout)
Sun, 1 Aug '21
Warrant