KING JAMES BIBLE DICTIONARY

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.)

GLEAN, verb transitive

1. To gather the stalks and ears of grain which reapers leave behind them.

Let me now go to the field, and glean ears of corn - Ruth 2:2.

2. To collect things thinly scattered; to gather what is left in small parcels or numbers, or what is found in detached parcels; as, to glean a few passages from an author.

They gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men. Judges 20:45.

GLEAN, verb intransitive To gather stalks or ears of grain left by reapers.

And she went, and came and gleaned in the field after the reapers. Ruth 2:3.

GLEAN, noun A collection made by gleaning, or by gathering here and there a little.

The gleans of yellow thyme distend his thighs.

GLE'ANED, participle passive Gathered after reapers; collected from small detached parcels; as grain gleaned from the field.

1. Cleared of what is left; as, the field is gleaned

2. Having suffered a gleaning. The public prints have been gleaned

GLE'ANER, noun One who gathers after reapers.

1. One who collects detached parts or numbers, or who gathers slowly with labor.

Laws concerning
Leviticus 19:9-10; Leviticus 23:22; Deuteronomy 24:19-20
Orphan; Strangers; Widow

Figurative
Judges 8:2; Isaiah 17:6; Jeremiah 49:9; Micah 7:1

Instances of, Ruth in the field of Boaz
Ruth 2:2-3

The gleaning of fruit trees, as well as of corn-fields, was reserved for the poor. [CORNER]

GLE'ANING, participle present tense Gathering what reapers leave; collecting in small detached parcels.

GLE'ANING, noun The act of gathering after reapers.

1. That which is collected by gleaning