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. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. To engage with; to attack. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. To take or have the charge of. [ Obs. ] “Who undertakes you to your end.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Keep well those that ye undertake. Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. 1. To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province. [ 1913 Webster ]

O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me. Isa. xxxviii. 14. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To venture; to hazard. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

It is the cowish terror of his spirit
That dare not undertake. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To give a promise or guarantee; to be surety. [ 1913 Webster ]

But on mine honor dare I undertake
For good lord Titus' innocence in all. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. One who undertakes; one who engages in any project or business. Beau. & Fl. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. One who stipulates or covenants to perform any work for another; a contractor. [ 1913 Webster ]

To sign deputations for undertakes to furnish their proportions of saltpeter. Evelyn. [ 1913 Webster ]

In come some other undertakes, and promise us the same or greater wonders. South. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Specifically, one who takes the charge and management of funerals. [ 1913 Webster ]