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]