from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Earn \Earn\ ([~e]rn), v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Earned} ([~e]rnd); p.
pr. & vb. n. {Earning}.] [AS. earnian; akin to OHG. arn[=o]n
to reap, aran harvest, G. ernte, Goth. asans harvest, asneis
hireling, AS. esne; cf. Icel. ["o]nn working season, work.]
1. To merit or deserve, as by labor or service; to do that
which entitles one to (a reward, whether the reward is
received or not).
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The high repute
Which he through hazard huge must earn. --Milton.
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2. To acquire by labor, service, or performance; to deserve
and receive as compensation or wages; as, to earn a good
living; to earn honors or laurels.
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I earn that [what] I eat. --Shak.
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The bread I have earned by the hazard of my life or
the sweat of my brow. --Burke.
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{Earned run} (Baseball), a run which is made without the
assistance of errors on the opposing side.
Syn: See {Obtain}.
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