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.

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.

3. Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm.

And he was not right fat, I undertake.

And those two counties I will undertake
Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy.

I dare undertake they will not lose their labor.

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.

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.

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.

2. To venture; to hazard. [Obs.]

It is the cowish terror of his spirit
That dare not undertake.

3. To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety.

But on mine honor dare I undertake
For good lord Titus' innocence in all.

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.

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.

3. Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm.

And he was not right fat, I undertake.

And those two counties I will undertake
Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy.

I dare undertake they will not lose their labor.

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.

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.

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.

2. To venture; to hazard. [Obs.]

It is the cowish terror of his spirit
That dare not undertake.

3. To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety.

But on mine honor dare I undertake
For good lord Titus' innocence in all.

• To start an entreprise.