The season for gathering grain or fruit. On the 16th day of Abib (or April) a handful of ripe ears of corn was offered as a first-fruit before the Lord, and immediately after this the harvest commenced (Leviticus 23:9-14; 2 Samuel 21:9, 10; Ruth 2:23). It began with the feast of Passover and ended with Pentecost, thus lasting for seven weeks (Exodus 23:16). The harvest was a season of joy (Psalm 126:1-6; Isaiah 9:3). This word is used figuratively Matthew 9:37; 13:30; Luke 10:2; John 4:35. (see AGRICULTURE.)

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) The gathering of a crop of any kind; the ingathering of the crops; also, the season of gathering grain and fruits, late summer or early autumn.

2. (n.) That which is reaped or ready to be reaped or gathered; a crop, as of grain (wheat, maize, etc.), or fruit.

3. (n.) The product or result of any exertion or labor; gain; reward.

4. (v. t.) To reap or gather, as any crop.