Understrapper
(Un"der*strap`per) n. A petty fellow; an inferior agent; an underling.
This was going to the fountain head at once, not applying to the understrappers.
Goldsmith. Understrapping
(Un"der*strap`ping), a. Becoming an understrapper; subservient. [R.] Sterne.
Understratum
(Un"der*stra`tum) n.; pl. L. Understrata E. Understratums The layer, or stratum, of
earth on which the mold, or soil, rests; subsoil.
Understroke
(Un`der*stroke") v. t. To underline or underscore. Swift.
Understudy
(Un"der*stud`y) v. t. & i. (Theater) To study, as another actor's part, in order to be his
substitute in an emergency; to study another actor's part.
Understudy
(Un"der*stud`y), n. One who studies another's part with a view to assuming it in an emergency.
Undersuit
(Un"der*suit`) n. A suit worn under another suit; a suit of underclothes.
Undertakable
(Un`der*tak"a*ble) a. Capable of being undertaken; practicable.
Undertake
(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. [Obs.] Shak.
5. To engage with; to attack. [Obs.]
It is not fit your lordship should undertake every companion that you give offense to.
Shak. 6. To have knowledge of; to hear. [Obs.] Spenser.
7. To take or have the charge of. [Obs.] "Who undertakes you to your end." Shak.
Keep well those that ye undertake.
Chaucer. Undertake
(Un`der*take"), v. i.
1. To take upon one's self, or assume, any business, duty, or province.
O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me.
Isa. xxxviii. 14.
