Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
EARN
I. transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English ernen, from Old English earnian; akin to Old High German arnōn to reap, Czech jeseň autumn Date: before 12th century
1. to receive as return for effort and especially for work done or services rendered, to bring in by way of return ,
2. to come to be duly worthy of or entitled or suited to , to make worthy of or obtain for , earner noun
II. intransitive verb
Etymology: probably alteration of yearn
Date: 1599
grieve