Definition of the word earner

The word "earner" is derived from the Old English word "earnian" meaning "to acquire or gain". It initially referred to the action of earning or gaining money, goods, or services through work, as opposed to inheriting or receiving them as gifts. In Old English, there were different words for "worker" and "earner", with "weaxan" meaning "to work" and "feohgirra" meaning "someone who produces wealth". Over time, these words merged, with "earnian" becoming "earn" in Middle English, meaning "to gain or acquire through work". This concept continued into Modern English, leading to the usage of "earner" as a noun to describe a person who earns money in a job, business, or profession.