And ever as he rode, his heart did earn
To prove his puissance in battle brave.
Spenser.
Earn, v. i. [AS. irnan to run. √11. See Rennet, and cf. Yearnings.] To curdle, as milk. [Prov. Eng.]
Ear"nest (?), n. [AS. eornost, eornest; akin to OHG. ernust, G. ernst; cf. Icel. orrosta battle, perh. akin to Gr. &?; to excite, L. oriri to rise.] Seriousness; reality; fixed determination; eagerness; intentness.
Take heed that this jest do not one day turn to earnest.
Sir P. Sidney.
And given in earnest what I begged in jest.
Shak.
In earnest, serious; seriously; not in jest; earnestly.
Ear"nest, a. 1. Ardent in the pursuit of an object; eager to obtain or do; zealous with sincerity; with hearty endeavor; heartfelt; fervent; hearty; -- used in a good sense; as, earnest prayers.
An earnest advocate to plead for him.
Shak.