En*gage"ment (?), n. [Cf. F. engagement.] 1. The act of engaging, pledging, enlisting, occupying, or entering into contest.

2. The state of being engaged, pledged or occupied; specif., a pledge to take some one as husband or wife.

3. That which engages; engrossing occupation; employment of the attention; obligation by pledge, promise, or contract; an enterprise embarked in; as, his engagements prevented his acceptance of any office.

Religion, which is the chief engagement of our league.

4. (Mil.) An action; a fight; a battle.

In hot engagement with the Moors.

5. (Mach.) The state of being in gear; as, one part of a clutch is brought into engagement with the other part.

Syn. -- Vocation; business; employment; occupation; promise; stipulation; betrothal; word; battle; combat; fight; contest; conflict. See Battle.

• (countable) an appointment, especially to speak or perform
       The lecturer has three speaking engagements this week.
  
• (uncountable) connection or attachment
       Check the gears for full engagement before turning the handle.
  
• (countable or uncountable) the period of time when marriage is planned or promised
       We are enjoying a long engagement, but haven't yet set a date.
  
• (fencing) the point at which the fencers are close enough to join blades, or to make an effective attack during an encounter