undertakev.

Brit.

/ˌʌndəˈteɪk/, U.S.

/ˌəndərˈteɪk/

Etymology: < under- prefix¹ 4a(a) + take v., after undernim v. Compare Middle Swedish undertaka.

I. transitive.

†1.

a. To take by craft, to entrap; to overtake, seize upon. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > snare, trap, entanglement > entrap, ensnare [verb (transitive)]

shrenchc897

beswike971

betrapa1000

bewindOE

undernimc1175

undertakec1175

bisayc1200

beguile?c1225

catchc1225

beginc1250

biwilea1275

tele?a1300

enginec1300

lime13..

umwrithea1340

engrin1340

oblige1340

belimec1350

enlacec1374

girnc1375

encumber138.

gnarec1380

enwrap1382

briguea1387

snarl1387

upbroid1387

trap1390

entrikea1393

englue1393

gildera1400

aguilec1400

betraisec1400

embrygec1400

snare1401

lacea1425

maska1425

begluec1430

marl1440

supprise?c1450

to prey ona1500

attrap1524

circumvene1526

entangle1526

tangle1526

entrap1531

mesh1532

embrake1542

crawl1548

illaqueate1548

intricate1548

inveigle1551

circumvent1553

felter1567

besnare1571

in trick1572

ensnare1576

overcatch1577

underfong1579

salt1580

entoil1581

comprehend1584

windlassa1586

folda1592

solicit1592

toil1592

bait1600

beset1600

engage1603

benet1604

imbrier1605

ambush1611

inknot1611

enmesha1616

trammela1616

fool1620

pinion1621

aucupate1630

fang1637

surprise1642

underreacha1652

trepan1656

ensnarl1658

stalk1659

irretiate1660

coil1748

nail1766

net1803

to rope in1840

mousetrap1870

spider1891

c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10314 Forr þi þatt teȝȝ haffdenn niþ. Wiþþ himm..& wolldenn unnderrtakenn himm Off summ whatt ȝiff þeȝȝ mihhtenn.

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. xxxvii. 400 So sire Tristram endured there grete payne, for sekenesse had vndertake hym.

†b. To reprove, rebuke, chide. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)]

threac897

threapc897

begripea1000

threata1000

castea1200

chaste?c1225

takec1275

blame1297

chastya1300

sniba1300

withnima1315

undernima1325

rebukec1330

snuba1340

withtakea1340

reprovec1350

chastisea1375

arate1377

challenge1377

undertake1377

reprehenda1382

repreync1390

runta1398

snapea1400

underfoc1400

to call to account1434

to put downc1440

snebc1440

uptakec1440

correptc1449

reformc1450

reprise?c1450

to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450

control1451

redarguec1475

berisp1481

to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522

checkc1530

admonish1541

nip1548

twig?1550

impreve1552

lesson1555

to take down1562

to haul (a person) over the coals1565

increpate1570

touch1570

school1573

to gather up1577

task1580

redarguate?1590

expostulate1592

tutor1599

sauce1601

snip1601

sneap1611

to take in tax1635

to sharp up1647

round1653

threapen1671

reprimand1681

to take to task1682

document1690

chapter1693

repulse1746

twink1747

to speak to ——1753

haul1795

to pull up1799

carpet1840

rig1841

to talk to1860

to take (a person) to the woodshed1882

rawhide1895

to tell off1897

to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900

to get on ——1904

to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908

strafe1915

tick1915

woodshed1935

to slap (a person) down1938

sort1941

bind1942

bottle1946

mat1948

ream1950

zap1961

elder1967

1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xi. 89 ‘Wher-of serueth lawe,’ quod lewte, ‘if no lyf vndertoke it, Falsenesse ne faytrye’.

a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 133 He wente to Scotlonde wiþ grete indingnacioun, for Wilfrede vndertook hym for he hylde vnlawfulliche Esterday.

c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. xix. 19 I haue ful oftymes for thy mysdedys undertake the.

c1440 Gesta Romanorum lxv. 290 Whan he was come, the Emperour vndirtoke hym of the cryme that he did to Guy.

1480 W. Caxton Chron. Eng. cliii And he wold dysherite the good erle..for encheson that he undertoke hym of his wikkedness.

1691 A. Gavin Frauds Romish Monks (ed. 3) 53 When he was in the company of Monks, who were not Reformed,..he would undertake them in a high manner, yea, with Insolence it self.

†2.

a. To accept, receive willingly. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > approve of, accept, or sanction [verb (transitive)]

loveeOE

underfoc1000

underfong?c1225

undertakea1250

provec1300

allowa1325

favour1340

approvec1380

seem?c1450

conprovec1503

avow1530

rectify1567

annuate1585

to be for1590

sancite1597

improve1603

applauda1616

acclamate1624

resenta1646

own1649

comprobate1660

sanction1797

likea1825

approbate1833

to hold with (arch. of, on, for)1895

agree1900

endorse1914

condone1962

a1250 Ancr. R. 114 He..underueng [Titus MS. undertoc] hit edmodliche.

a1300 Cursor Mundi 917 And þou, man, þat has vndertaken Þi wijf red, and min for-saken, Ne sal þou nawight þar wit win.

1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 9984 For he wulde nat men hyt forsoke, But þat alle men hyt vndyrtoke.

1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 60 Þe barons said,..Þare trespas we vndertake opon alle our fee.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9064 Yee rede me nu, for drightin sake, Your consail wil i vndertak.

†b. To receive; to have given. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > be given

underfoc888

afangOE

underfongc1175

getc1300

latchc1300

undertake1393

receivea1400

to take up1639

to come into ——1672

to fall in for1788

1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. i. 98 And boxes ben broght forþ i-bounden with yre, To vndertake þe tol of vntrewe sacrifice In menynge of miracles.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 4642 I will þat he here vnder-take All þe worschip of mi land.

1623 W. Lisle in tr. Ælfric Saxon Treat. Old & New Test. Introd. Moses,..who wrote as God himself directed..while he abode with God upon Mount Sinai..& undertook [OE. orig., underfeng] his law.

†c. To receive into the mind; to hear. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)]

yemec897

understandc1000

beseea1225

heeda1225

bihedec1250

tentc1330

to look into ——c1350

rewardc1350

undertakea1382

considerc1385

recorda1393

behold?a1400

receivea1425

advertc1425

attend1432

advertise?a1439

regard1526

respect1543

eye?c1550

mind1559

panse1559

to take knowledge of1566

to consider of1569

suspect1590

pass1609

matter1652

watch1676

a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. ii. 2 Bowe in thyn ere, and vndertac [L. suscipe] the wrdis of vndirstonding.

a1400 St. Alexius 54 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1881) 175 His fadir sette him sone to boke And wele clergie he vndir~toke.

1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. iii. sig. O7 Whose voice so soone as he did vndertake, Eftsoones he stood as still as any stake.

†3. To understand. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)]

yknoweOE

acknowOE

anyeteOE

latchc1000

undernimc1000

understandc1000

underyetec1000

afindOE

knowOE

seeOE

onfangc1175

takec1175

underfindc1200

underfonga1300

undertakea1300

kenc1330

gripea1340

comprehend1340

comprendc1374

espyc1374

perceivea1387

to take for ——?1387

catcha1398

conceivea1398

intenda1400

overtakea1400

tenda1400

havec1405

henta1450

comprise1477

skilla1500

brook1548

apprend1567

compass1576

perstanda1577

endue1590

sound1592

engrasp1593

in1603

fathom1611

resent1614

receivea1616

to take up1617

apprehend1631

to take in1646

grasp1680

understumblec1681

forstand1682

savvy1686

overstand1699

uptake1726

nouse1779

twig1815

undercumstand1824

absorb1840

sense1844

undercumstumble1854

seize1855

intelligize1865

dig1935

a1300 Cursor Mundi 2050 Noe wit þat mantil woke, His sun hething he vnder-toke.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 307 And be þe hette þou vnderta þe hali gost comms of hem tua.

a1400–50 Alexander 2967 Sone þis gouernour of grece is of þis gaude ware,..& vndire~tuke he touched of him-selfe.

c1440 York Myst. xxiii. 23 Ȝe cowde noght vndyr-take The tales þat I ȝou tolde.

?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. c.iii While she spake of y^e seconde deth & euer lasting: & he vndirtoke her of y^e first deth & temporall.

a. To take upon oneself; to take in hand.Sometimes contextually ‘to enter upon, begin’.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]

underfoc893

fandOE

onfangOE

undernimc1000

takec1175

to take tillc1175

to take toa1250

underfongc1330

undertakea1340

to take in (also on) handa1350

undertakec1385

attamec1386

to take in (also on) handc1390

embrace1393

emprisec1410

to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410

to go upon ——c1450

enterprise?1473

to set (one's) hand to1477

go?a1500

accept1524

assume1530

to hent in (also upon) handc1540

to swallow up1544

to take to task1546

to go into ——?1548

to set in hand1548

to fare about1563

entertain1569

undergo1606

to set about ——1611

to take up1660

to come at ——1901

a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xxiv. 7 A ȝoungman dredis noght to vndirtake þe peril þat he is slane in.

c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde ii. 807 He which þat no þyng vnder-taketh No þyng ne acheueth.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4795 I am all redi bun Our aller nedes vnder ta.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4642 I wil him do at vnder-tak þe wardanscipp of al mi land.

1404 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 20 The same cuntrees have undertake the seges of hem til thei ben wonnen.

1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxvi. 549 Telle me..what he sayeth of this quarell that ye have vndertake.

1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. liv. 115 The..offices of that mysticall administration..which he voluntarily vndertooke.

a1628 J. Preston Treat. Effectual Faith (1630) 8 There~fore they vndertake the businesse, they goe about the enterprize, and it comes to naught.

1654 T. Gataker Disc. Apol. 53 [They] are readie to undertake more than they are able to undergo, or to go through with.

1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 1 Apr. (1965) I. 330 I have gone a Journey not undertaken by any Christian of some 100 years.

1781 W. Cowper Table Talk 284 They, that fight for freedom, undertake The noblest cause mankind can have at stake.

1831 W. Scott Count Robert vii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. II. 175 What is the enterprise too bold to be undertaken on such a condition!

1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest II. iii. 67 I hope you will undertake the post which I now offer you.

1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vi. §4. 306 Colet..was the first to undertake the reform of the Church.

elliptical.1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 3 If any one would vndertake the honour and precedence of Britaine before other Realmes in serious maner.1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 37 His friends,..desired him to æstimate it at 50. minæ, promising to undertake the sum.

b. Const. to with infinitive. (Sometimes implying a solemn pledge or promise: cf. 4c.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)]

underfoc893

fandOE

onfangOE

undernimc1000

takec1175

to take tillc1175

to take toa1250

underfongc1330

undertakea1340

to take in (also on) handa1350

undertakec1385

attamec1386

to take in (also on) handc1390

embrace1393

emprisec1410

to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410

to go upon ——c1450

enterprise?1473

to set (one's) hand to1477

go?a1500

accept1524

assume1530

to hent in (also upon) handc1540

to swallow up1544

to take to task1546

to go into ——?1548

to set in hand1548

to fare about1563

entertain1569

undergo1606

to set about ——1611

to take up1660

to come at ——1901

the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)]

swearc825

hightOE

behighta1000

behestc1175

bespeakc1320

queatha1325

vow1338

avowc1374

undertakec1385

forhighta1400

forsweara1400

hest14..

promitc1422

promise1430

protest1430

to swear outa1440

to swear to ——1598

pollicitate1657

c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women Prol. 71 I ne haue nat vndyr-take As of the lef a-gayn the flour to make.

1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 151 He..seith that he wol undertake Upon hire wordes forto stonde.

a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3409 Now es god at vnder tak þe store tell [Gött. stori to tell] of ysaac.

c1440 Generydes 3175 Among your knyghtez all that ther is on Shall vnder take to Answer for this lande.

1494 in Lett. Rich. III & Hen. VII (Rolls) I. 389 Diuers noble personnes hanne enterprised and undertaked to hold a justis roiall.

1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclix I wold first vndertake to geue y^e charge vpon thennemy w^t ii. legions.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. ii. 38 Then you must vndertake to slander him.

1637 W. Saltonstall tr. Eusebius Life Constantine 26 Constantine had undertooke..to free the Christians from his tyranny.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 935 I alone first undertook To wing the desolate Abyss.

1712 R. Blackmore Creation v. 229 That matter..in the immense from endless Ages strove, The Stagyrite thus undertakes to prove.

1754 J. Shebbeare Marriage Act II. lxviii. 297 Without this Act the Mother-in-law would scarce have undertook to have trafficked in the Commerce of a Son committed to her Care.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. i. 12 Wayland and she followed in silence the deputy usher, who undertook to be their conductor.

1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxi. 150 A porter..undertook to conduct me to one of the adjacent glaciers.

c. To give a formal promise or pledge that; to take upon oneself to promise or affirm; to venture to assert.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > pledge or undertake to give or do

sweara1154

fast?a1160

plightc1275

givec1300

undertake1393

strokea1400

warranta1400

foldc1400

pledge?a1439

affiance1523

pass1528

betroth1573

assume1602

impawna1628

gagea1642

spond1698

guarantee1820

vouch1898

1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. xxi. 20 Loue haþ vndertake That þis iesus of hus gentrise shal Iouste in peers Armes.

c1450 Mirk's Festial 13 He wold vndyrtake þat þay schuld want ryght noght of hor mette.

c1480 (a1400) St. James Less 606 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 167 Wil þu vndirta þat I and þai þat are with me, In gud fath sal vnschait be?

15.. Adam Bel cxxx I dare vndertake for them That true men they shal be.

1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 767/2 I dare undertake that he hath sayd nothynge but he wyll parforme it.

1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxx I..vndertake, that this communicacion shal sorte, and come to suche an effecte, that [etc.].

1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 63 Sir Richard Moryson (..whom he would vndertake to be as worthy in his profession, as any of his time).

a1649 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1825) (modernized text) I. 145 Mr. Maverick came and undertook that the offenders should be forthcoming.

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 434 He undertook to me, that the King should ask me no question.

1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. viii. 213 I have ridden..to present you with this letter..having undertaken to your father that it should be delivered without delay.

1895 I. K. Funk et al. Standard Dict. Eng. Lang. II. (at cited word) I'll undertake I can run faster than you.

d. I (dare) undertake, added to a statement.

ΚΠ

1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. xi. 108 Þei two, as Ich hope.., Schul wisse þe to Dowel, I dar vndertake.

?a1366 Romaunt Rose 175 Wel coude he peynte, I vndirtake, That sich ymage coude make.

a1400 Pistill of Susan 208 Ȝit schal trouþe hem a-taynt, I dar vnder-take.

1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 18 The fals goddys doth ye forsake,..Wych be not ellys, I undyrtake, But gold or sylvyr, stonys or tre.

a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Lion & Mouse l. 1448 in Poems (1981) 58 Thy fals excuse..Sall not auaill ane myte, I vnderta.

1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. i. 10 You have gallants among you, I dare undertake, that have made the Virginia voyage.

e. With ellipse of infinitive or object clause.

ΚΠ

c1440 Generides 7006 A rich woman I shal you make, That dar I wel vndretake.

1638 in Hamilton Papers (1880) 2 They [were] injoyned to dou ther best, and to goe presentely home, which they undertuck.

1651 in E. Nicholas Papers (1886) I. 257 Hee himselfe goes into Plimouth till all the articles be confirmed by Act of Parliament, which they have under~taken.

†f. To guarantee to cure. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > guarantee > guarantee to cure

undertake1479

1479 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) II. 88 And [= if] he may kepe him alive till Tuesday none, he will undertake him.

1480 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) II. 100 The ffesisicion wolle do his cunnyng uppon me, but undertake me he wol not.

†g. To be surety for. Obsolete. rare.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > pledge or deposit as security [verb (transitive)] > be or give surety for

wage1362

awarranta1400

pledge?a1439

warrant1478

to seal under1523

warrantise?1533

borrow1609

undertake1609

suretya1616

stipulate1737

guaranty1753

guarantee1797

1609 W. Shakespeare Louers Complaint in Sonnets sig. L2 Lending..credent soule, to that strong bonded oth, That shall preferre and vndertake my troth.

h. To venture. U.S.

ΚΠ

1869 H. B. Stowe Oldtown Fireside Stories (1871) 181 Tom thought he'd try bein' familiar, and he undertook to put his arm round Miry.

a. To take in charge; to accept the duty of attending to or looking after.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > assume care, protection, or custody of

undernimc1175

undertakec1300

to have, take, give (the) charge of1389

godfather1651

to have, take in charge1785

c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 377 [They] seyden, he moucthe hem [sc. the children] best loke, Yif þat he hem vndertoke.

c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 13112 Þe kyng dide his prisons loke Wiþ wardeyns þat hem vndertoke.

1382 J. Wyclif Psalms iii. 6 I sleep, and was a slepe, and ful out ros; for the Lord vndertoc me.

c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) lxi. 251 Thow shalt bid me..to kepe welle thi suster... And I shalle thenne vndir-take hir.

1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. i. 98 To th' water side I must conduct your Grace; Then giue my Charge vp to Sir Nicholas Uaux, Who vndertakes you to your end.

1629 J. Donne Serm. (1958) IX. 101 The holy Ghost undertakes every man amongst us, and would make every man fit for Gods service.

1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man Pref. sig. a8 If a Physician should undertake a patient that were in some desperate disease, and by his skill bring him..out of it.

1795 A. Hughes Jemima I. 60 Mrs. Wellon declared her readiness to undertake her.

1814 Ld. Byron Lett. (1875) 436 I am going to be married... Miss Milbanke is the good-natured person who has under~taken me.

1846 R. C. Trench Notes Miracles xiii. 237 He was rather chasing away diseases..than himself undertaking them.

1892 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Slave of Lamp xv It fell to Hilda's lot to undertake the Frenchman.

b. To engage with, enter into combat with.

ΘΚΠ

society > armed hostility > [verb (transitive)] > begin hostilities against

undertake1470

banner1588

society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight with [verb (transitive)]

fightOE

strugglec1386

wrestle1398

cope witha1467

undertake1470

to set one's foot by1536

skirmc1540

make1542

to break blows, words with1589

combata1592

to take up1600

warsle1606

stoush1924

1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xix. x. 788 Syre Vrre..and sir Alphegus..encountred to gyders for veray enuy, and soo eyther vndertook other to the Vtteraunce.

1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. iv, in Wks. I. 242 Sir, he shall yeeld you all the honor of a competent aduersarie, if you please to vnder-take him.

1667 Second Advice in Second & Third Advice to Painter 13 As if in our Reproach the Winds and Seas, Would undertake the Dutch, whilst we take ease.

c. To take in hand to deal with (a person).

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > tackle or proceed to deal with > specifically a person

undertakea1616

a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. iii. 55 By my troth I would not vndertake her in this company. Is that the meaning of Accost?

1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. iv. 203 The King casually coming thither.., undertook the Priest himself, though we never read before of his Majesties disputing.

1683 W. Cave Ecclesiastici 58 An ancient Confessor,..unskill'd in the Tricks and Methods of disputing,..offered himself to undertake him.

†6. To assume, take to oneself. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself

teec897

assume1447

to take on (also upon) one(self)c1515

assumpt1572

undertake1596

satchel1839

1596 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) x. lv. 245 Whilst she, in France, did vndertake our royall Armes and Stile.

1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 115 It changeth..alwayes into the colour of that which is next it, except red and white, which colours it cannot easily vndertake.

a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iv. ii. 108 You are like to Sir Vincentio. His name and credite shal you vndertake .

7. To conduct the funeral of.

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > death > obsequies > [verb (transitive)] > conduct funeral of

undertake1900

1900 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Jan. 97/1 Urijah..gave a notable proof of his filial affection, by gracefully and successfully ‘under~taking’ his father.

II. intransitive.

†8. To enter upon, commit oneself to, an enterprise. Obsolete.

ΘΚΠ

the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake or set oneself to do [verb (intransitive)]

found12..

to take on (also upon) one(self)a1300

assay1330

study1340

to put (also lay, set, etc.) one's hand to the ploughc1384

intendc1385

pressc1390

to put oneself in pressc1390

gatherc1400

undertakec1405

sayc1425

to fall in hand with (also to do (something))c1450

setc1485

obligea1500

essay?1515

attend1523

supprise1532

to set in foot1542

enterprise1547

address1548

to set in hand1548

prove1612

to make it one's businessa1628

engage1646

embark1647

bend1694

to take hold1868

c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 407 Hardy he was and wys to vndertake.

1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 539 He was the man that pryncipall wndirtuk, That fyrst compild in dyt the Latyne buk.

1605 B. Jonson Sejanus iv. i. 163 No ill should force the Subiect vndertake Against the Soueraigne.

1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 215 The sonne-in-law undertakes against the father in law, and the brothers are at division.

9. To give a pledge or promise; to enter into a compact or contract.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)] > enter into or pledge oneself

covenantc1440

bind1488

undertake1572

engage1604

pre-engage1652

subscribe1680

1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 574 Schir Rolland..left the Coilȝear to cum, as he had vndertane.

1608 in R. F. Williams Birch's Court & Times James I (1848) (modernized text) I. 84 His brother, whom..he hath now sent for up to undertake and underwrite with him.

1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 74 The worst on mee must light,..for so I undertook Before thee.

1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd ii. 129 I, as I undertook,..Have found him.

10.

a. To become surety or security, to make oneself answerable or responsible, for a person, fact, etc.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > give assurance or stand surety [verb (intransitive)]

to lay one's life, head, to wed971

to find (take) God, Mahoun, St. Blase, St. George, etc. to borrowa1330

again-behotea1382

to make (also do) faitha1382

pledge1458

to make (also give) warrantisea1535

undertake1548

subscribe1600

underwrite1623

seal1633

underwritea1657

hedge1676

vouch1687

to stand surety (or security)1776

to take warrant on oneself1828

stipulate1829

1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Spondere pro aliquo, to vndertake for one.

1587 J. Hooker Chron. Ireland 131/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II He brought also his two other brethren, for whome he had vndertaken.

1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus i. i. 433 But on mine honour dare I vndertake, For good Lord Titus innocence in all.

1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 323 He..confessed hee would vndertake for the Wolfe, if they would set him at liberty.

1655 M. Casaubon Treat. Enthvsiasme (1656) 294 It shall not trouble me, who undertake not for the truth of it.

1690 J. Locke Toleration ii, in Wks. (1727) II. 277 You undertake for the Success of this method, if rightly used.

1712 J. Arbuthnot John Bull Still in Senses v. 21 She..undertook for her Brother John's good Behaviour.

1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) II. 865/2 It was he who had principally undertaken for the obedience of the Argives.

1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. v. 162 Clive undertaking for his security, Dooloob Ram joined the camp.

1880 J. A. Froude Bunyan 69 His friends undertook for his appearance when he should be required.

b. To engage oneself in a promise for.

ΘΚΠ

the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > bind by a promise [verb (reflexive)]

plighta1325

affiancec1487

undertakea1715

commit1782

a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 226 As there was no reason..that..any discontents could be carried so far as to a general rising, which these men undertook for.

1790 J. Bruce Trav. Source Nile I. 260 I sailed with..three passengers, instead of one, for whom only I had undertaken.

1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. I. vi. 367 Bacon..laughed at the chimerical notion, that private men should undertake for all the commons of England.

11. colloquial. To carry on the business of a funeral undertaker. (Cf. sense 7.)

ΘΚΠ

the world > life > death > obsequies > [verb (intransitive)] > conduct business of undertaker

undertake1891

1891 Cent. Dict.

This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022).

单词	undertake
释义	† undertaken. Etymology: < undertake v. Obsolete. An undertaking, enterprise. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > [noun] > an undertaking forec900 aprisec1320 exploitc1425 undertakingc1425 beginning1481 enterprise1548 apprinze1559 embracement1641 undertake1647 undertakement1678 sashay1900 1647 J. Sprigge Anglia Rediviva iv. ix. 295 The spoyle of the Castle, which cannot be avoyded in extreame undertakes against it. 1676 Doctr. of Devils To Rdr. I shall say no more in vindication of the undertake. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online June 2021). undertakev. Brit. /ˌʌndəˈteɪk/, U.S. /ˌəndərˈteɪk/ Etymology: < under- prefix¹ 4a(a) + take v., after undernim v. Compare Middle Swedish undertaka. I. transitive. †1. a. To take by craft, to entrap; to overtake, seize upon. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > conformity with what is known, truth > deceit, deception, trickery > snare, trap, entanglement > entrap, ensnare [verb (transitive)] shrenchc897 beswike971 betrapa1000 bewindOE undernimc1175 undertakec1175 bisayc1200 beguile?c1225 catchc1225 beginc1250 biwilea1275 tele?a1300 enginec1300 lime13.. umwrithea1340 engrin1340 oblige1340 belimec1350 enlacec1374 girnc1375 encumber138. gnarec1380 enwrap1382 briguea1387 snarl1387 upbroid1387 trap1390 entrikea1393 englue1393 gildera1400 aguilec1400 betraisec1400 embrygec1400 snare1401 lacea1425 maska1425 begluec1430 marl1440 supprise?c1450 to prey ona1500 attrap1524 circumvene1526 entangle1526 tangle1526 entrap1531 mesh1532 embrake1542 crawl1548 illaqueate1548 intricate1548 inveigle1551 circumvent1553 felter1567 besnare1571 in trick1572 ensnare1576 overcatch1577 underfong1579 salt1580 entoil1581 comprehend1584 windlassa1586 folda1592 solicit1592 toil1592 bait1600 beset1600 engage1603 benet1604 imbrier1605 ambush1611 inknot1611 enmesha1616 trammela1616 fool1620 pinion1621 aucupate1630 fang1637 surprise1642 underreacha1652 trepan1656 ensnarl1658 stalk1659 irretiate1660 coil1748 nail1766 net1803 to rope in1840 mousetrap1870 spider1891 c1175 Ormulum (Burchfield transcript) l. 10314 Forr þi þatt teȝȝ haffdenn niþ. Wiþþ himm..& wolldenn unnderrtakenn himm Off summ whatt ȝiff þeȝȝ mihhtenn. 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur ix. xxxvii. 400 So sire Tristram endured there grete payne, for sekenesse had vndertake hym. †b. To reprove, rebuke, chide. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > contempt > disapproval > rebuke or reproof > rebuke or reprove [verb (transitive)] threac897 threapc897 begripea1000 threata1000 castea1200 chaste?c1225 takec1275 blame1297 chastya1300 sniba1300 withnima1315 undernima1325 rebukec1330 snuba1340 withtakea1340 reprovec1350 chastisea1375 arate1377 challenge1377 undertake1377 reprehenda1382 repreync1390 runta1398 snapea1400 underfoc1400 to call to account1434 to put downc1440 snebc1440 uptakec1440 correptc1449 reformc1450 reprise?c1450 to tell (a person) his (also her, etc.) own1450 control1451 redarguec1475 berisp1481 to hit (cross) one over (of, on) the thumbs1522 checkc1530 admonish1541 nip1548 twig?1550 impreve1552 lesson1555 to take down1562 to haul (a person) over the coals1565 increpate1570 touch1570 school1573 to gather up1577 task1580 redarguate?1590 expostulate1592 tutor1599 sauce1601 snip1601 sneap1611 to take in tax1635 to sharp up1647 round1653 threapen1671 reprimand1681 to take to task1682 document1690 chapter1693 repulse1746 twink1747 to speak to ——1753 haul1795 to pull up1799 carpet1840 rig1841 to talk to1860 to take (a person) to the woodshed1882 rawhide1895 to tell off1897 to tell (someone) where he or she gets off1900 to get on ——1904 to put (a person) in (also into) his, her place1908 strafe1915 tick1915 woodshed1935 to slap (a person) down1938 sort1941 bind1942 bottle1946 mat1948 ream1950 zap1961 elder1967 1377 W. Langland Piers Plowman B. xi. 89 ‘Wher-of serueth lawe,’ quod lewte, ‘if no lyf vndertoke it, Falsenesse ne faytrye’. a1387 J. Trevisa tr. R. Higden Polychron. (St. John's Cambr.) (1869) II. 133 He wente to Scotlonde wiþ grete indingnacioun, for Wilfrede vndertook hym for he hylde vnlawfulliche Esterday. c1400 Pilgr. Sowle (1859) i. xix. 19 I haue ful oftymes for thy mysdedys undertake the. c1440 Gesta Romanorum lxv. 290 Whan he was come, the Emperour vndirtoke hym of the cryme that he did to Guy. 1480 W. Caxton Chron. Eng. cliii And he wold dysherite the good erle..for encheson that he undertoke hym of his wikkedness. 1691 A. Gavin Frauds Romish Monks (ed. 3) 53 When he was in the company of Monks, who were not Reformed,..he would undertake them in a high manner, yea, with Insolence it self. †2. a. To accept, receive willingly. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > esteem > approval or sanction > approve of, accept, or sanction [verb (transitive)] loveeOE underfoc1000 underfong?c1225 undertakea1250 provec1300 allowa1325 favour1340 approvec1380 seem?c1450 conprovec1503 avow1530 rectify1567 annuate1585 to be for1590 sancite1597 improve1603 applauda1616 acclamate1624 resenta1646 own1649 comprobate1660 sanction1797 likea1825 approbate1833 to hold with (arch. of, on, for)1895 agree1900 endorse1914 condone1962 a1250 Ancr. R. 114 He..underueng [Titus MS. undertoc] hit edmodliche. a1300 Cursor Mundi 917 And þou, man, þat has vndertaken Þi wijf red, and min for-saken, Ne sal þou nawight þar wit win. 1303 R. Mannyng Handlyng Synne 9984 For he wulde nat men hyt forsoke, But þat alle men hyt vndyrtoke. 1338 R. Mannyng Chron. (1810) 60 Þe barons said,..Þare trespas we vndertake opon alle our fee. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 9064 Yee rede me nu, for drightin sake, Your consail wil i vndertak. †b. To receive; to have given. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > acquisition > receiving > receive [verb (transitive)] > be given underfoc888 afangOE underfongc1175 getc1300 latchc1300 undertake1393 receivea1400 to take up1639 to come into ——1672 to fall in for1788 1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. i. 98 And boxes ben broght forþ i-bounden with yre, To vndertake þe tol of vntrewe sacrifice In menynge of miracles. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Gött.) l. 4642 I will þat he here vnder-take All þe worschip of mi land. 1623 W. Lisle in tr. Ælfric Saxon Treat. Old & New Test. Introd. Moses,..who wrote as God himself directed..while he abode with God upon Mount Sinai..& undertook [OE. orig., underfeng] his law. †c. To receive into the mind; to hear. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > attention and judgement > attention > take notice of, heed [verb (transitive)] yemec897 understandc1000 beseea1225 heeda1225 bihedec1250 tentc1330 to look into ——c1350 rewardc1350 undertakea1382 considerc1385 recorda1393 behold?a1400 receivea1425 advertc1425 attend1432 advertise?a1439 regard1526 respect1543 eye?c1550 mind1559 panse1559 to take knowledge of1566 to consider of1569 suspect1590 pass1609 matter1652 watch1676 a1382 Bible (Wycliffite, E.V.) (Douce 369(1)) (1850) Ecclus. ii. 2 Bowe in thyn ere, and vndertac [L. suscipe] the wrdis of vndirstonding. a1400 St. Alexius 54 in Horstm. Altengl. Leg. (1881) 175 His fadir sette him sone to boke And wele clergie he vndir~toke. 1596 E. Spenser Second Pt. Faerie Queene v. iii. sig. O7 Whose voice so soone as he did vndertake, Eftsoones he stood as still as any stake. View more context for this quotation †3. To understand. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > mental capacity > understanding > understand [verb (transitive)] yknoweOE acknowOE anyeteOE latchc1000 undernimc1000 understandc1000 underyetec1000 afindOE knowOE seeOE onfangc1175 takec1175 underfindc1200 underfonga1300 undertakea1300 kenc1330 gripea1340 comprehend1340 comprendc1374 espyc1374 perceivea1387 to take for ——?1387 catcha1398 conceivea1398 intenda1400 overtakea1400 tenda1400 havec1405 henta1450 comprise1477 skilla1500 brook1548 apprend1567 compass1576 perstanda1577 endue1590 sound1592 engrasp1593 in1603 fathom1611 resent1614 receivea1616 to take up1617 apprehend1631 to take in1646 grasp1680 understumblec1681 forstand1682 savvy1686 overstand1699 uptake1726 nouse1779 twig1815 undercumstand1824 absorb1840 sense1844 undercumstumble1854 seize1855 intelligize1865 dig1935 read1956 a1300 Cursor Mundi 2050 Noe wit þat mantil woke, His sun hething he vnder-toke. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 307 And be þe hette þou vnderta þe hali gost comms of hem tua. a1400–50 Alexander 2967 Sone þis gouernour of grece is of þis gaude ware,..& vndire~tuke he touched of him-selfe. c1440 York Myst. xxiii. 23 Ȝe cowde noght vndyr-take The tales þat I ȝou tolde. ?1510 T. More tr. G. F. Pico della Mirandola Lyfe I. Picus sig. c.iii While she spake of y^e seconde deth & euer lasting: & he vndirtoke her of y^e first deth & temporall. 4. a. To take upon oneself; to take in hand.Sometimes contextually ‘to enter upon, begin’. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] underfoc893 fandOE onfangOE undernimc1000 takec1175 to take tillc1175 to take toa1250 underfongc1330 undertakea1340 to take in (also on) handa1350 undertakec1385 attamec1386 to take in (also on) handc1390 embrace1393 emprisec1410 to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410 to go upon ——c1450 enterprise?1473 to set (one's) hand to1477 go?a1500 accept1524 assume1530 to hent in (also upon) handc1540 to swallow up1544 to take to task1546 to go into ——?1548 to set in hand1548 to fare about1563 entertain1569 undergo1606 to set about ——1611 to take up1660 to come at ——1901 a1340 R. Rolle Psalter xxiv. 7 A ȝoungman dredis noght to vndirtake þe peril þat he is slane in. c1374 G. Chaucer Troilus & Criseyde ii. 807 He which þat no þyng vnder-taketh No þyng ne acheueth. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4795 I am all redi bun Our aller nedes vnder ta. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 4642 I wil him do at vnder-tak þe wardanscipp of al mi land. 1404 in H. Ellis Orig. Lett. Eng. Hist. (1827) 2nd Ser. I. 20 The same cuntrees have undertake the seges of hem til thei ben wonnen. 1490 W. Caxton tr. Foure Sonnes of Aymon (1885) xxvi. 549 Telle me..what he sayeth of this quarell that ye have vndertake. 1597 R. Hooker Of Lawes Eccl. Politie v. liv. 115 The..offices of that mysticall administration..which he voluntarily vndertooke. a1628 J. Preston Treat. Effectual Faith (1630) 8 There~fore they vndertake the businesse, they goe about the enterprize, and it comes to naught. 1654 T. Gataker Disc. Apol. 53 [They] are readie to undertake more than they are able to undergo, or to go through with. 1717 Lady M. W. Montagu Let. 1 Apr. (1965) I. 330 I have gone a Journey not undertaken by any Christian of some 100 years. 1781 W. Cowper Table Talk 284 They, that fight for freedom, undertake The noblest cause mankind can have at stake. 1831 W. Scott Count Robert vii, in Tales of my Landlord 4th Ser. II. 175 What is the enterprise too bold to be undertaken on such a condition! 1847 F. Marryat Children of New Forest II. iii. 67 I hope you will undertake the post which I now offer you. 1874 J. R. Green Short Hist. Eng. People vi. §4. 306 Colet..was the first to undertake the reform of the Church. elliptical.1605 W. Camden Remaines i. 3 If any one would vndertake the honour and precedence of Britaine before other Realmes in serious maner.1655 T. Stanley Hist. Philos. I. iii. 37 His friends,..desired him to æstimate it at 50. minæ, promising to undertake the sum. b. Const. to with infinitive. (Sometimes implying a solemn pledge or promise: cf. 4c.) ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] underfoc893 fandOE onfangOE undernimc1000 takec1175 to take tillc1175 to take toa1250 underfongc1330 undertakea1340 to take in (also on) handa1350 undertakec1385 attamec1386 to take in (also on) handc1390 embrace1393 emprisec1410 to put to one's hand (also hands)c1410 to go upon ——c1450 enterprise?1473 to set (one's) hand to1477 go?a1500 accept1524 assume1530 to hent in (also upon) handc1540 to swallow up1544 to take to task1546 to go into ——?1548 to set in hand1548 to fare about1563 entertain1569 undergo1606 to set about ——1611 to take up1660 to come at ——1901 the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] swearc825 hightOE behighta1000 behestc1175 bespeakc1320 queatha1325 vow1338 avowc1374 undertakec1385 forhighta1400 forsweara1400 hest14.. promitc1422 promise1430 protest1430 to swear outa1440 to swear to ——1598 pollicitate1657 c1385 G. Chaucer Legend Good Women Prol. 71 I ne haue nat vndyr-take As of the lef a-gayn the flour to make. 1390 J. Gower Confessio Amantis I. 151 He..seith that he wol undertake Upon hire wordes forto stonde. a1400 (a1325) Cursor Mundi (Vesp.) l. 3409 Now es god at vnder tak þe store tell [Gött. stori to tell] of ysaac. c1440 Generydes 3175 Among your knyghtez all that ther is on Shall vnder take to Answer for this lande. 1494 in Lett. Rich. III & Hen. VII (Rolls) I. 389 Diuers noble personnes hanne enterprised and undertaked to hold a justis roiall. 1560 J. Daus tr. J. Sleidane Commentaries f. cclix I wold first vndertake to geue y^e charge vpon thennemy w^t ii. legions. a1616 W. Shakespeare Two Gentlemen of Verona (1623) iii. ii. 38 Then you must vndertake to slander him. View more context for this quotation 1637 W. Saltonstall tr. Eusebius Life Constantine 26 Constantine had undertooke..to free the Christians from his tyranny. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost iv. 935 I alone first undertook To wing the desolate Abyss. View more context for this quotation 1712 R. Blackmore Creation v. 229 That matter..in the immense from endless Ages strove, The Stagyrite thus undertakes to prove. 1754 J. Shebbeare Marriage Act II. lxviii. 297 Without this Act the Mother-in-law would scarce have undertook to have trafficked in the Commerce of a Son committed to her Care. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth III. i. 12 Wayland and she followed in silence the deputy usher, who undertook to be their conductor. 1860 J. Tyndall Glaciers of Alps i. xxi. 150 A porter..undertook to conduct me to one of the adjacent glaciers. c. To give a formal promise or pledge that; to take upon oneself to promise or affirm; to venture to assert. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > pledge or undertake to give or do sweara1154 fast?a1160 plightc1275 givec1300 undertake1393 strokea1400 warranta1400 foldc1400 pledge?a1439 affiance1523 pass1528 betroth1573 assume1602 impawna1628 gagea1642 spond1698 guarantee1820 vouch1898 1393 W. Langland Piers Plowman C. xxi. 20 Loue haþ vndertake That þis iesus of hus gentrise shal Iouste in peers Armes. c1450 Mirk's Festial 13 He wold vndyrtake þat þay schuld want ryght noght of hor mette. c1480 (a1400) St. James Less 606 in W. M. Metcalfe Legends Saints Sc. Dial. (1896) I. 167 Wil þu vndirta þat I and þai þat are with me, In gud fath sal vnschait be? 15.. Adam Bel cxxx I dare vndertake for them That true men they shal be. 1530 J. Palsgrave Lesclarcissement 767/2 I dare undertake that he hath sayd nothynge but he wyll parforme it. 1548 Hall's Vnion: Edward IV f. ccxxx I..vndertake, that this communicacion shal sorte, and come to suche an effecte, that [etc.]. 1617 F. Moryson Itinerary ii. 63 Sir Richard Moryson (..whom he would vndertake to be as worthy in his profession, as any of his time). a1649 J. Winthrop Hist. New Eng. (1825) (modernized text) I. 145 Mr. Maverick came and undertook that the offenders should be forthcoming. a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 434 He undertook to me, that the King should ask me no question. 1829 W. Scott Anne of Geierstein III. viii. 213 I have ridden..to present you with this letter..having undertaken to your father that it should be delivered without delay. 1895 I. K. Funk et al. Standard Dict. Eng. Lang. II. (at cited word) I'll undertake I can run faster than you. d. I (dare) undertake, added to a statement. ΚΠ 1362 W. Langland Piers Plowman A. xi. 108 Þei two, as Ich hope.., Schul wisse þe to Dowel, I dar vndertake. ?a1366 Romaunt Rose 175 Wel coude he peynte, I vndirtake, That sich ymage coude make. a1400 Pistill of Susan 208 Ȝit schal trouþe hem a-taynt, I dar vnder-take. 1447 O. Bokenham Lyvys Seyntys (1835) 18 The fals goddys doth ye forsake,..Wych be not ellys, I undyrtake, But gold or sylvyr, stonys or tre. a1500 R. Henryson tr. Æsop Fables: Lion & Mouse l. 1448 in Poems (1981) 58 Thy fals excuse..Sall not auaill ane myte, I vnderta. 1821 W. Scott Kenilworth I. i. 10 You have gallants among you, I dare undertake, that have made the Virginia voyage. e. With ellipse of infinitive or object clause. ΚΠ c1440 Generides 7006 A rich woman I shal you make, That dar I wel vndretake. 1638 in Hamilton Papers (1880) 2 They [were] injoyned to dou ther best, and to goe presentely home, which they undertuck. 1651 in E. Nicholas Papers (1886) I. 257 Hee himselfe goes into Plimouth till all the articles be confirmed by Act of Parliament, which they have under~taken. †f. To guarantee to cure. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise or vow [verb (transitive)] > guarantee > guarantee to cure undertake1479 1479 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) II. 88 And [= if] he may kepe him alive till Tuesday none, he will undertake him. 1480 in C. L. Kingsford Stonor Lett. & Papers (1919) II. 100 The ffesisicion wolle do his cunnyng uppon me, but undertake me he wol not. †g. To be surety for. Obsolete. rare. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > pledge or deposit as security [verb (transitive)] > be or give surety for wage1362 awarranta1400 pledge?a1439 warrant1478 to seal under1523 warrantise?1533 borrow1609 undertake1609 suretya1616 stipulate1737 guaranty1753 guarantee1797 1609 W. Shakespeare Louers Complaint in Sonnets sig. L2 Lending..credent soule, to that strong bonded oth, That shall preferre and vndertake my troth. h. To venture. U.S. ΚΠ 1869 H. B. Stowe Oldtown Fireside Stories (1871) 181 Tom thought he'd try bein' familiar, and he undertook to put his arm round Miry. 5. a. To take in charge; to accept the duty of attending to or looking after. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > safety > protection or defence > care, protection, or charge > care for, protect, or have charge of [verb (transitive)] > assume care, protection, or custody of undernimc1175 undertakec1300 to have, take, give (the) charge of1389 godfather1651 to have, take in charge1785 c1300 Havelok (Laud) (1868) 377 [They] seyden, he moucthe hem [sc. the children] best loke, Yif þat he hem vndertoke. c1330 R. Mannyng Chron. Wace (Rolls) 13112 Þe kyng dide his prisons loke Wiþ wardeyns þat hem vndertoke. 1382 J. Wyclif Psalms iii. 6 I sleep, and was a slepe, and ful out ros; for the Lord vndertoc me. c1440 Gesta Romanorum (Harl.) lxi. 251 Thow shalt bid me..to kepe welle thi suster... And I shalle thenne vndir-take hir. 1623 W. Shakespeare & J. Fletcher Henry VIII ii. i. 98 To th' water side I must conduct your Grace; Then giue my Charge vp to Sir Nicholas Uaux, Who vndertakes you to your end. View more context for this quotation 1629 J. Donne Serm. (1958) IX. 101 The holy Ghost undertakes every man amongst us, and would make every man fit for Gods service. 1658 R. Allestree Pract. Christian Graces; or, Whole Duty of Man Pref. sig. a8 If a Physician should undertake a patient that were in some desperate disease, and by his skill bring him..out of it. 1795 A. Hughes Jemima I. 60 Mrs. Wellon declared her readiness to undertake her. 1814 Ld. Byron Lett. (1875) 436 I am going to be married... Miss Milbanke is the good-natured person who has under~taken me. 1846 R. C. Trench Notes Miracles xiii. 237 He was rather chasing away diseases..than himself undertaking them. 1892 ‘H. S. Merriman’ Slave of Lamp xv It fell to Hilda's lot to undertake the Frenchman. b. To engage with, enter into combat with. ΘΚΠ society > armed hostility > [verb (transitive)] > begin hostilities against undertake1470 banner1588 society > society and the community > dissent > fighting > fight with [verb (transitive)] fightOE strugglec1386 wrestle1398 cope witha1467 undertake1470 to set one's foot by1536 skirmc1540 make1542 to break blows, words with1589 combata1592 to take up1600 warsle1606 stoush1924 1470–85 T. Malory Morte d'Arthur xix. x. 788 Syre Vrre..and sir Alphegus..encountred to gyders for veray enuy, and soo eyther vndertook other to the Vtteraunce. 1616 B. Jonson Cynthias Revels (rev. ed.) v. iv, in Wks. I. 242 Sir, he shall yeeld you all the honor of a competent aduersarie, if you please to vnder-take him. 1667 Second Advice in Second & Third Advice to Painter 13 As if in our Reproach the Winds and Seas, Would undertake the Dutch, whilst we take ease. c. To take in hand to deal with (a person). ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake [verb (transitive)] > tackle or proceed to deal with > specifically a person undertakea1616 a1616 W. Shakespeare Twelfth Night (1623) i. iii. 55 By my troth I would not vndertake her in this company. Is that the meaning of Accost? View more context for this quotation 1655 T. Fuller Church-hist. Brit. iv. 203 The King casually coming thither.., undertook the Priest himself, though we never read before of his Majesties disputing. 1683 W. Cave Ecclesiastici 58 An ancient Confessor,..unskill'd in the Tricks and Methods of disputing,..offered himself to undertake him. †6. To assume, take to oneself. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the mind > possession > taking > taking possession > take possession of [verb (transitive)] > take upon oneself teec897 assume1447 to take on (also upon) one(self)c1515 assumpt1572 undertake1596 satchel1839 1596 W. Warner Albions Eng. (rev. ed.) x. lv. 245 Whilst she, in France, did vndertake our royall Armes and Stile. 1608 E. Topsell Hist. Serpents 115 It changeth..alwayes into the colour of that which is next it, except red and white, which colours it cannot easily vndertake. a1616 W. Shakespeare Taming of Shrew (1623) iv. ii. 108 You are like to Sir Vincentio. His name and credite shal you vndertake . View more context for this quotation 7. To conduct the funeral of. ΘΚΠ the world > life > death > obsequies > [verb (transitive)] > conduct funeral of undertake1900 1900 Blackwood's Edinb. Mag. Jan. 97/1 Urijah..gave a notable proof of his filial affection, by gracefully and successfully ‘under~taking’ his father. II. intransitive. †8. To enter upon, commit oneself to, an enterprise. Obsolete. ΘΚΠ the world > action or operation > undertaking > undertake or set oneself to do [verb (intransitive)] found12.. to take on (also upon) one(self)a1300 assay1330 study1340 to put (also lay, set, etc.) one's hand to the ploughc1384 intendc1385 pressc1390 to put oneself in pressc1390 gatherc1400 undertakec1405 sayc1425 to fall in hand with (also to do (something))c1450 setc1485 obligea1500 essay?1515 attend1523 supprise1532 to set in foot1542 enterprise1547 address1548 to set in hand1548 prove1612 to make it one's businessa1628 engage1646 embark1647 bend1694 to take hold1868 c1405 (c1387–95) G. Chaucer Canterbury Tales Prol. (Hengwrt) (2003) l. 407 Hardy he was and wys to vndertake. 1488 (c1478) Hary Actis & Deidis Schir William Wallace (Adv.) (1968–9) v. l. 539 He was the man that pryncipall wndirtuk, That fyrst compild in dyt the Latyne buk. 1605 B. Jonson Sejanus iv. i. 163 No ill should force the Subiect vndertake Against the Soueraigne. View more context for this quotation 1639 S. Du Verger tr. J.-P. Camus Admirable Events 215 The sonne-in-law undertakes against the father in law, and the brothers are at division. 9. To give a pledge or promise; to enter into a compact or contract. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > promise, vow, or pledge [verb (intransitive)] > enter into or pledge oneself covenantc1440 bind1488 undertake1572 engage1604 pre-engage1652 subscribe1680 1572 (a1500) Taill of Rauf Coilȝear (1882) 574 Schir Rolland..left the Coilȝear to cum, as he had vndertane. 1608 in R. F. Williams Birch's Court & Times James I (1848) (modernized text) I. 84 His brother, whom..he hath now sent for up to undertake and underwrite with him. 1667 J. Milton Paradise Lost x. 74 The worst on mee must light,..for so I undertook Before thee. View more context for this quotation 1671 J. Milton Paradise Regain'd ii. 129 I, as I undertook,..Have found him. View more context for this quotation 10. a. To become surety or security, to make oneself answerable or responsible, for a person, fact, etc. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > security > give assurance or stand surety [verb (intransitive)] to lay one's life, head, to wed971 to find (take) God, Mahoun, St. Blase, St. George, etc. to borrowa1330 again-behotea1382 to make (also do) faitha1382 pledge1458 to make (also give) warrantisea1535 undertake1548 subscribe1600 underwrite1623 seal1633 underwritea1657 hedge1676 vouch1687 to stand surety (or security)1776 to take warrant on oneself1828 stipulate1829 1548 T. Cooper Bibliotheca Eliotæ (rev. ed.) Spondere pro aliquo, to vndertake for one. 1587 J. Hooker Chron. Ireland 131/1 in Holinshed's Chron. (new ed.) II He brought also his two other brethren, for whome he had vndertaken. 1594 W. Shakespeare Titus Andronicus i. i. 433 But on mine honour dare I vndertake, For good Lord Titus innocence in all. View more context for this quotation 1607 E. Topsell Hist. Foure-footed Beastes 323 He..confessed hee would vndertake for the Wolfe, if they would set him at liberty. 1655 M. Casaubon Treat. Enthvsiasme (1656) 294 It shall not trouble me, who undertake not for the truth of it. 1690 J. Locke Toleration ii, in Wks. (1727) II. 277 You undertake for the Success of this method, if rightly used. 1712 J. Arbuthnot John Bull Still in Senses v. 21 She..undertook for her Brother John's good Behaviour. 1770 J. Langhorne & W. Langhorne tr. Plutarch Lives (1879) II. 865/2 It was he who had principally undertaken for the obedience of the Argives. 1817 J. Mill Hist. Brit. India II. iv. v. 162 Clive undertaking for his security, Dooloob Ram joined the camp. 1880 J. A. Froude Bunyan 69 His friends undertook for his appearance when he should be required. b. To engage oneself in a promise for. ΘΚΠ the mind > language > speech > agreement > promise > bind by a promise [verb (reflexive)] plighta1325 affiancec1487 undertakea1715 commit1782 a1715 Bp. G. Burnet Hist. Own Time (1724) I. 226 As there was no reason..that..any discontents could be carried so far as to a general rising, which these men undertook for. 1790 J. Bruce Trav. Source Nile I. 260 I sailed with..three passengers, instead of one, for whom only I had undertaken. 1827 H. Hallam Constit. Hist. Eng. I. vi. 367 Bacon..laughed at the chimerical notion, that private men should undertake for all the commons of England. 11. colloquial. To carry on the business of a funeral undertaker. (Cf. sense 7.) ΘΚΠ the world > life > death > obsequies > [verb (intransitive)] > conduct business of undertaker undertake1891 1891 Cent. Dict. This entry has not yet been fully updated (first published 1921; most recently modified version published online March 2022). < n.1647v.c1175
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† undertaken.

undertakev.