earth

I. noun Etymology: Middle English erthe, from Old English eorthe; akin to Old High German erda earth, Greek era Date: before 12th century 1. the fragmental material composing part of the surface of the globe; especially cultivable soil 2. the sphere of mortal life as distinguished from spheres of spirit life — compare heaven, hell 3. a. areas of land as distinguished from sea and air b. the solid footing formed of soil ; ground 4. often capitalized the planet on which we live that is third in order from the sun — see planet table 5. a. the people of the planet Earth b. the mortal human body c. the pursuits, interests, and pleasures of earthly life as distinguished from spiritual concerns 6. the lair of a burrowing animal 7. an excessive amount of money — used with the <

real suede, which costs the earth to clean — Joanne Winship

> • earthlike adjective II. verb Date: 1575 transitive verb 1. to drive to hiding in the earth 2. to draw soil about (plants) — often used with up 3. chiefly British ground 3 intransitive verb of a hunted animal to hide in the ground