Earnest, adj. 1) zealous with sincerity, eager in heart: “her e. eye did make him more amazed,” Lucr. 1356 (== searching, intent). “an e. advocate to plead for him,” R3 I, 3, 87. “e. in the service of my God,” III, 7, 106. “a prayer of e. heart,” Oth. I, 3, 152. “so e. to have me filch it,” III, 3, 314.
2) not feigned, heartfelt, urgent: “my tongue should stumble in my e. words,” H6B III, 2, 316. “with e. prayers,” R3 II, 2, 15 (Qq daily). “an e. motion made to the queen,” H8 II, 4, 233. “an e. inviting,” Tim. III, 6, 11. “an e. conjuration,” Hml. V, 2, 38.
Shakespeare Lexicon. Alexander Schmidt. Berlin. Georg Reimer. 1902.
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