Category:Undertake

Un`der*take", v. t. [imp. Undertook; p. p. Undertaken; p. pr. & vb. N. Undertaking.] Etym: [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.

Undertake 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.