Bus'i-ness, n.

(bĭz'nes), n. 1. That which busies, or that which occupies the time, attention, or labor of one, as his principal concern, whether for a longer or shorter time; employment; occupation. Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke ii. 49. 2. Any particular occupation or employment for a livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, mechanic art, or profession. “The business of instruction.” Prescott. 3. Mercantile transactions, or traffic in general. It seldom happens that men of a studious turn acquire any degree of reputation for their knowledge of business. Porteus. 4. Concern; right or occasion of making one's self busy. What business has the tortoise among the clouds? L'Estrange. 5. Affair; transaction; — used in an indefinite sense, and modified by the connected words. *It was a gentle business, and becoming The action of good women.* Shak. Syn.—Affairs; concern; matter; engagement; employment; calling; occupation; trade; profession; office; duty.