ə:n 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.). øearned
income income derived
from wages etc. (opp.
unearned income). [OE earnian f. WG, rel. to Gmc roots assoc.
with reaping]