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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913. | 
