earn^*ɜrn(v.t.)

1. to gain or get in return for one's labor or service:

   to earn a living.

2. to merit as compensation, as for service; deserve:

   to receive more than one has earned.

3. to acquire through merit:

   to earn a reputation for honesty.

4. to gain as due return or profit:

   Savings bonds earn interest.

5. to bring about or cause deservedly:

   His fair dealing earned our confidence.

6. (v.i.)to gain income.

^* Syn: See gain1.

Origin of earn:

bef. 900; ME ern(i)en, OE earnian; akin to OHG arnēn to earn, harvest

earn′er(n.)

earn^*ɜrn(v.i.)

1. Obs. to grieve.

^* q.

Origin of earn:

1570–80; perh. var. of yearn