1630's; Frenchfrom merere, mereri "to earn, gain" (from PIE root *(s)mer- (2) "to get a share of something"). Meaning "gaudily alluring, alluring by false attractions". Related: Meretriciously; meretriciousness.

alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry

The casino had a meretricious appeal that attracted an interesting crowd.