pret. undertook; pp. undertaken.

To engage in; to enter upon; to take in hand; to begin to perform. When I undertook this work, I had a very inadequate knowledge of the extent of my labors.

To covenant or contract to perform or execute. A man undertakes to erect a house, or to make a mile of canal, when he enters into stipulations for that purpose.

To attempt; as when a man undertakes what he cannot perform.

To assume a character.

To engage with; to attack. Your lordship should not undertake every companion you offend.

To have the charge of. - Who undertakes you to your end.

To take upon or assume any business or province. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.Isaiah 38:14.

To venture; to hazard. They dare not undertake.

To promise; to be bound. I dare undertake they will not lose their labor. To undertake for, to be bound; to become surety for.