- Undertake
- 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.
[1913 Webster]
To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
I 'll undertake to land them on our coast. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm. [1913 Webster]
And he was not right fat, I undertake. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
I dare undertake they will not lose their labor. --Woodward. [1913 Webster]
4. To assume, as a character. [Obs.] --Shak. [1913 Webster]
5. To engage with; to attack. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
6. To have knowledge of; to hear. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster]
7. To take or have the charge of. [Obs.] ``Who undertakes you to your end.'' --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Keep well those that ye undertake. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.
