UNDERTA'KE, v.t. pret. undertook; pp. undertaken. [under and take.] 1. To engage in; to enter upon; to take in hand; to begin to perform. When I undertook this work, I had a very inadequate knowledge of the extent of my labors.2. To covenant or contract to perform or execute. A man undertakes to erect a house, or to make a mile of canal, when he enters into stipulations for that purpose.3. To attempt; as when a man undertakes what he cannot perform.4. To assume a character. [Not in use.]5. To engage with; to attack.Your lordship should not undertake every companion you offend. [Not in use.]6. To have the charge of.- Who undertakes you to your end. [Not in use.]UNDERTA'KE, v.i. 1. To take upon or assume any business or province.O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. Is. 38.2. To venture; to hazard. They dare not undertake.3. To promise; to be bound.I dare undertake they will not lose their labor.To undertake for, to be bound; to become surety for.
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