Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Engage?

\En*gage"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Engaged}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Engaging}.] [F. engager; pref. en- (L. in) + gage pledge, pawn. See {Gage}.] 1. To put under pledge; to pledge; to place under obligations to do or forbear doing something, as by a pledge, oath, or promise; to bind by contract or promise. ``I to thee engaged a prince's word.'' --Shak. 2. To gain for service; to bring in as associate or aid; to enlist; as, to engage friends to aid in a cause; to engage men for service. 3. To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw. Good nature engages everybody to him. --Addison. 4. To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on. Thus shall mankind his guardian care engage. --Pope. Taking upon himself the difficult task of engaging him in conversation. --Hawthorne. 5. To enter into contest with; to encounter; to bring to conflict. A favorable opportunity of engaging the enemy. --Ludlow. 6. (Mach.) To come into gear with; as, the teeth of one cogwheel engage those of another, or one part of a clutch engages the other part.
\En*gage"\, v. i. 1. To promise or pledge one's self; to enter into an obligation; to become bound; to warrant. How proper the remedy for the malady, I engage not. --Fuller. 2. To embark in a business; to take a part; to employ or involve one's self; to devote attention and effort; to enlist; as, to engage in controversy. 3. To enter into conflict; to join battle; as, the armies engaged in a general battle. 4. (Mach.) To be in gear, as two cogwheels working together.