Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EARN, v.t. [ern; Sax. earnian, ærnian, gearnian, to earn, to merit. It is connected in origin with earnest and yearn, – which see. The primary sense is to strive or urge, implying an effort to advance or stretch forward.]

1. To merit or deserve by labor, or by any performance; to do that which entitles to a reward, whether the reward is received or not. Men often earn money or honor which they never receive. Earn money before you spend it, and spend less than you earn. It is idle to hope, by our short-sighted contrivances, to insure to a people happiness which their own character has not earned. Channing.
2. To gain by labor, service or performance; to deserve and receive as compensation; as, to earn a dollar a day; to earn a good living; to earn honors or laurels.