Earn v. t. [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.
Earned run Baseball, a run which is made without the assistance of errors on the opposing side.
Syn: -- See Obtain.
earned
adj : gained or acquired; especially through merit or as a result
of effort or action; "a well-earned reputation for
honesty"; "earned income"; "an earned run in baseball"
[ant: unearned]