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.
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.
Hear it pronounced