v.tr. 1 (also absol.) a (of a person) obtain (income) in the form of money in return for labour or services (earn a weekly wage; happy to be earning at last). b (of capital invested) bring in as interest or profit. 2 a deserve; be entitled to; obtain as the reward for hard work or merit (have earned a holiday; earned our admiration; earn one's keep). b incur (a reproach, reputation, etc.). earned income income derived from wages etc. (opp. unearned income).
[ OE earnian f. WG, rel. to Gmc roots assoc. with reaping ]