undertaking

[ uhn-der-tey-king, uhn-der-tey- for 1–3; uhn-der-tey-king for 4 ]

/ ˌʌn dərˈteɪ kɪŋ, ˈʌn dərˌteɪ- for 1–3; ˈʌn dərˌteɪ kɪŋ for 4 /

the act of a person who undertakes any task or responsibility.

a task, enterprise, etc., undertaken.

a promise; pledge; guarantee.

the business of an undertaker or funeral director.

Origin of undertaking

Middle English word dating back to 1325–75; see origin at under, taking

2 project, endeavor, job, effort, venture.

Carry them with you as watchwords, and make them characteristic of all your undertakings.

Appletons' Popular Science Monthly, March 1899 |Various
With all his undertakings Mr. Lipshytz was careful to see that the spiritual work of the mission was not neglected.

Some Jewish Witnesses For Christ |Rev. A. Bernstein, B.D.
We may confide in the ability of the Italians to carry out their undertakings and to pay the cost out of their own pockets.

Roman Holidays and Others |W. D. Howells
At which he said that he was exceedingly sorry, and finding me determined to go, wished me success in all my undertakings.

The Romany Rye |George Borrow

But, however secret their undertakings, the Judan statesmen could not keep them concealed from public notice.

History of the Jews, Vol. I (of 6) |Heinrich Graetz

undertaking

/ (ˈʌndəˌteɪkɪŋ) /

something undertaken; task, venture, or enterprise

an agreement to do something

the business of an undertaker

informal the practice of overtaking on an inner lane a vehicle which is travelling in an outer lane