\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.
         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.] --Shak.
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.] --Spenser.
7. To take or have the charge of. [Obs.] ``Who undertakes you
   to your end.'' --Shak.
         Keep well those that ye undertake.    --Chaucer.

\Un`der*take"\, v. i.
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.