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.

 

© Webster 1913.


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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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