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undertake |
3 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: 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. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: undertake v 1: enter upon an activity or enterprise [syn: {set about}, {attempt}] 2: accept as a challenge [syn: {tackle}, {take on}] 3: promise or guarantee [syn: {guarantee}] 4: enter into a contractual arrangement [syn: {contract}] 5: accept as a charge [syn: {take in charge}]
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