earn 1
— earner , n.
/errn/ , v.t.
1. to gain or get in return for one's labor or service: to earn one's 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 accounts earn interest.
5. to bring about or cause deservedly: His fair dealing earned our confidence.
v.i.
6. to gain income: securities that earn on a quarterly basis.
[ bef. 900; ME ern ( i ) en, OE earnian; akin to OHG arnen to earn, harvest ]
Syn. 1. procure, make, receive, obtain. See gain 1 .
earn 2
/errn/ , v.i. Obs.
to grieve.
[ 1570-80; perh. var. of YEARN ]