Earn — Defs

01 n. See Ern, n.

02 v. t. 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).

imp. & p. p. Earned; p. pr. & vb. n. Earning

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).
“The high repute Which he through hazard huge must earn.” — Milton.
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.
“I earn that [what] I eat.” — Shak.

“The bread I have earned by the hazard of my life or the sweat of my brow.” — Burke.

Phrases & compounds

Earned run — a run which is made without the assistance of errors on the opposing side.

Syn. See Obtain.

03 v. t. & i. To grieve.

04 v. i. To long; to yearn.

1.
To long; to yearn.[Obs.]
“And ever as he rode, his heart did earn To prove his puissance in battle brave.” — Spenser.

05 v. i. To curdle, as milk.