Undertake \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.
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To second, or oppose, or undertake The perilous attempt. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
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. [1913 Webster]
I 'll undertake to land them on our coast. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. Hence, to guarantee; to promise; to affirm. [1913 Webster]
And he was not right fat, I undertake. --Dryden. [1913 Webster]
And those two counties I will undertake Your grace shall well and quietly enjoiy. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
I dare undertake they will not lose their labor. --Woodward. [1913 Webster]
4. To assume, as a character. [Obs.]
--Shak.
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5. To engage with; to attack. [Obs.]
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It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
6. To have knowledge of; to hear. [Obs.]
--Spenser.
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7. To take or have the charge of. [Obs.]
"Who undertakes you
to your end." --Shak.
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Keep well those that ye undertake. --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]
Undertook \Un`der*took"\, imp. of Undertake. [1913 Webster]
UNDERTOOK. Assumed; promised. 2. This is a technical word which ought to be inserted in every declaration of assumpsit, charging that the defendant undertook to perform the promise which is the foundation of the suit; and this though the promise be founded on a legal liability, or would be implied in evidence. Bac. Ab Assumpsit, F; 1 Chit. Pl. 88, note p.
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