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. Shak.
5. To engage with; to attack.
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to. Shak.
6. To have knowledge of; to hear. Spenser.
7. To take or have the charge of. “Who undertakes you to your end.” Shak.
Keep well those that ye undertake. Chaucer.