Undertake — Defs

01 v. t. 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.

imp. Undertook; p. p. Undertaken; p. pr. & vb. n. Undertaking

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.]
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.]
7.
To take or have the charge of.[Obs.]
“Keep well those that ye undertake.” — Chaucer.

02 v. i. To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province.

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.