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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Enterprise

Ĕn'ter-prīse, n.

noun

n. [Fr. entreprise, from entreprendre, to undertake, from entre, between, and prendre, to take, prise, a taking; It. intrapresa. See EMPRISE.]

Sense 1. That which is undertaken or attempted to be performed; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an adventure; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise. Shak.

Their hands can not perform their enterprise. Job v. 12.

Sense 2. Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.

Ĕn'ter-prīse, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. 1. To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon.

The business must be enterprised this night. Dryden.

Sense 2. To treat with hospitality; to entertain. [Obs.]

Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise. Spenser.

Ĕn'ter-prīse, v. i.

verbintransitive

v. i. To undertake any thing difficult. [Rare.] Pope.