Merited (8)
'merited' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for earned that I've seen before include "well deserved" , "'Deserved, merited (6)'" , "Worked for and gained" , "Obtained through work" , "Gained through work or effort" .)
'merited' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
This is all the clue.
(Other definitions for deserved that I've seen before include "Merited" , "Fitting" .)