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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Engage

En-gāge', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. ENGAGED; p. pr. & vb. n. ENGAGING.] [Fr. engager, from en and gage, q. v., pledge, pawn; Pr. engatjar, It. engaggiare.]

Sense 1. To put under pledge; to place under obligations to do or forbear something, as by an oath, promise, pledge, agreement, or the like; to render liable; to bind; to involve. “Engaged by my oath.” Shak.

Sense 2. To gain for service; to bring in as associate or aid; to enlist; as, to engage friends to aid in a cause; to engage men for service.

Sense 3. To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw.

To every duty he could minds engage. Waller.

Sense 4. To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to draw on.

Thus shall mankind his guardian care engage. Pope.

Sense 5. To cause to put forth effort in self-defense; to enter into contest with; to encounter; to bring to conflict. “A favorable opportunity of engaging the enemy.” Ludlow.

En-gāge', v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. 1. To promise or pledge one's self; to enter into an obligation; to become bound. How proper the remedy for the malady, I engage not. Fuller.

  1. To embark; to take a part; to employ one's self; to devote attention and effort; to enlist; as, to engage in controversy.
  2. To enter into conflict; to join battle; as, the armies engaged in a general battle.