alluring by a show of flashy or vulgar attractions; tawdry.
2.
based on pretense, deception, or insincerity.
3.
pertaining to or characteristic of a prostitute.
Origin: 1620–30; < Latin meretrīcius of, pertaining to prostitutes, derivative of meretrīx prostitute = mere-, stem of merēre to earn + -trīx-trix; see -ous
1626, from L. meretricius "of or pertaining to prostitutes," from meretrix (gen. meretricis) "prostitute," lit. "woman who earns money," from merere, mereri "to earn, gain" (see merit).