Category:Enterprise

En"ter*prise, n. Etym: [F. enterprise, fr. entreprendre to undertake; entre between (L. inter) + prendre to take. See Inter, and Emprise.]

1. That which is undertaken; something attempted to be performed; a work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise. Shak. Their hands can not perform their enterprise. Job v. 12.

2. Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.

enterprise En"ter*prise, v. t.

1. To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon. [R.] The business must be enterprised this night. Dryden. What would I not renounce or enterprise for you! T. Otway.

2. To treat with hospitality; to entertain. [Obs.] Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise. Spenser.

enterprise En"ter*prise, v. i.

Defn: To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult. [R.] Pope.