\Learn\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Learned}, or {Learnt} (?);
p. pr. & vb. n. {Learning}.] [OE. lernen, leornen, AS.
leornian; akin to OS. lin[=o]n, for lirn[=o]n, OHG.
lirn[=e]n, lern[=e]n, G. lernen, fr. the root of AS. l?ran to
teach, OS. l[=e]rian, OHG. l[=e]ran, G. lehren, Goth.
laisjan, also Goth lais I know, leis acquainted (in comp.);
all prob. from a root meaning, to go, go over, and hence, to
learn; cf. AS. leoran to go . Cf. {Last} a mold of the foot,
{lore}.]
1. To gain knowledge or information of; to ascertain by
   inquiry, study, or investigation; to receive instruction
   concerning; to fix in the mind; to acquire understanding
   of, or skill; as, to learn the way; to learn a lesson; to
   learn dancing; to learn to skate; to learn the violin; to
   learn the truth about something. ``Learn to do well.''
   --Is. i. 17.

         Now learn a parable of the fig tree.  --Matt. xxiv.
                                               32.

2. To communicate knowledge to; to teach. [Obs.]

         Hast thou not learned me how To make perfumes ?
                                               --Shak.

Note: Learn formerly had also the sense of teach, in
      accordance with the analogy of the French and other
      languages, and hence we find it with this sense in
      Shakespeare, Spenser, and other old writers. This usage
      has now passed away. To learn is to receive
      instruction, and to teach is to give instruction. He
      who is taught learns, not he who teaches.

\Learn\, v. i.
To acquire knowledge or skill; to make progress in acquiring
knowledge or skill; to receive information or instruction;
as, this child learns quickly.

      Take my yoke upon you and learn of me.   --Matt. xi.
                                               29.

{To learn by heart}. See {By heart}, under {Heart}.

{To learn by rote}, to memorize by repetition without
   exercise of the understanding.