1. Work of any type, including mental exertion (the fruits of one’s labor). • The term usu. refers to work for wages as opposed to profits.
child labor. See CHILD LABOR.
spousal labor. See SPOUSAL LABOR.
2. Workers considered as an economic unit or a political element (a dispute between management and labor over retirement benefits).
3. A Spanish land measure equal to 177 1/7 acres. • This measure has been used in Mexico and was once used in Texas.
labor, vb.
1. To work, esp. with great exertion (David labored long and hard to finish the brief on time).
2. Archaic. To tamper with or improperly attempt to influence (a jury). • This sense derives from the idea that the tamperer “endeavors” to influence the jury’s verdict. See EMBRACERY. — laborer, n.
