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Webster 1913 Edition

(hīr′lĭng)

Noun.

[AS.

hȳreling

. See

Noun.

, and

One who is hired, or who serves for wages; esp., one whose motive and interest in serving another are wholly gainful; a mercenary.

“Lewd hirelings.”

Milton.

Adj.

Serving for hire or wages; venal; mercenary.

“Hireling mourners.”

Dryden.

Noun.

One who is hired, or who serves for wages.

A mercenary; a prostitute.

Adj.

Serving for wages; venal; mercenary; employed for money or other compensation.

A tedious crew

Of hireling mourners.