Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Undertake?

\Un`der*take"\, v. t. [imp. {Undertook}; p. p. {Undertaken}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Undertaking}.] [Under + take.] 1. To take upon one's self; to engage in; to enter upon; to take in hand; to begin to perform; to set about; to attempt. To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt. --Milton. 2. Specifically, to take upon one's self solemnly or expressly; to lay one's self under obligation, or to enter into stipulations, to perform or to execute; to covenant; to contract. I 'll undertake to land them on our coast. --Shak. 3. Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm. And he was not right fat, I undertake. --Dryden. And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy. --Shak. I dare undertake they will not lose their labor. --Woodward. 4. To assume, as a character. [Obs.] --Shak. 5. To engage with; to attack. [Obs.] It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to. --Shak. 6. To have knowledge of; to hear. [Obs.] --Spenser. 7. To take or have the charge of. [Obs.] ``Who undertakes you to your end.'' --Shak. Keep well those that ye undertake. --Chaucer.
\Un`der*take"\, v. i. 1. To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. --Isa. xxxviii. 14. 2. To venture; to hazard. [Obs.] It is the cowish terror of his spirit That dare not undertake. --Shak. 3. To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety. But on mine honor dare I undertake For good lord Titus' innocence in all. --Shak.