The corners of fields were not to be reaped, and the sheaf accidentally left behind was not to be fetched away, according to the law of Moses (Leviticus 19:9; 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:21). They were to be left for the poor to glean. Similar laws were given regarding vineyards and oliveyards. (Comp. Ruth 2:2.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (v. t.) To gather after a reaper; to collect in scattered or fragmentary parcels, as the grain left by a reaper, or grapes left after the gathering.

2. (v. t.) To gather from (a field or vineyard) what is left.

3. (v. t.) To collect with patient and minute labor; to pick out; to obtain.

4. (v. i.) To gather stalks or ears of grain left by reapers.

5. (v. i.) To pick up or gather anything by degrees.

6. (n.) A collection made by gleaning.

7. (n.) Cleaning; afterbirth.