A labourer employed on hire for a limited time (Job 7:1; 14:6; Mark 1:20). His wages were paid as soon as his work was over (Leviticus 19:13). In the time of our Lord a day's wage was a "penny" (q.v.) i.e., a Roman denarius (Matthew 20:1-14).

Noah Webster's New International Dictionary of the English Language

1. (n.) One who is hired, or who serves for wages; esp., one whose motive and interest in serving another are wholly gainful; a mercenary.

2. (a.) Serving for hire or wages; venal; mercenary.