Search the Dictionary

An agreement by which parties engage to submit any matter of controversy between them to the decision of arbitrators. Wharton (Law Dict.). Bouvier.

An animal, especially a horse, that carries packs or burdens; a baggage horse. Holinshed.

Betrothed; engaged to marry. [Obs.] The king was sure to Dame Elizabeth Lucy, and her husband before God. Sir T. More. I presume . . . that you had been sure as fast as faith could bind you, man and wife. Brome.

with and for another who is primarily liable, and who is called the principal; one who engages to answer for another's appearance in court, or for his payment of a debt, or for performance of some act; a bondsman; a bail. He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it. Prov. xi. 15.

from operation or activity; esp., to stop payment, or be unable to meet obligations or engagements (said of a commercial firm or a bank).

Belonging to sutlers; engaged in the occupation of a sutler. Addison.

A person who engages frequently in lively and fashionable pursuits, such as attending night clubs or discos. 4. A person who engages freely in sexual intercourse.

One engaged with others at a banquet or merrymaking. Sydney Smith.

An agent of a corporation, or of any body of men engaged in a business enterprise; an advocate or patron; an assignee.

To gain or secure the interest or affection of; to captivate; to engage; to interest; to charm. Neither let her take thee with her eyelids. Prov. vi. 25. Cleombroutus was so taken with this prospect, that he had no patience. Wake. I know not why, but there was a something in those half-seen features, -- a charm in the…

of threads, or other thing, united confusedly, or so interwoven as not to be easily disengaged; a snarl; as, hair or yarn in tangles; a tangle of vines and briers. Used also figuratively.

To engage in the occupation of driving a team of horses, cattle, or the like, as in conveying or hauling lumber, goods, etc.; to be a teamster. team up, to form one or more teams, either for a common endeavor, or to compete in a contest.

Clothes; furniture; appurtenances; luggage; as, to pack or store one's things. [Colloq.]

f thrusting with a lance, as a combatant on horseback; to joust; also, figuratively, to engage in any combat or movement resembling that of horsemen tilting with lances. He tilts With piercing steel at bold Mercutio's breast. Shak. Swords out, and tilting one at other's breast. Shak. But in this tournament can no man t…

A rope carried taut between or over obstacles likely to engage or foul the running rigging in working a ship.

To seize, rend, or tear something as prey; to be fixed upon, or engaged with, anything. [Obs.] Thus made she her remove, And left wrath tiring on her son. Chapman. Upon that were my thoughts tiring. Shak.

Effect; end; consequence; as, the prince was flattered to his ruin; he engaged in a war to his cost; violent factions exist to the prejudice of the state.

h a broad purple border, worn by children of both sexes, by magistrates, and by persons engaged in sacred rites. -- Toga virilis Etym: [L.], the manly gown; the common toga. This was assumed by Roman boys about the time of completing their fourteenth year.

d to any other loop or bight or ring; a kind of button or frog capable of being readily engaged and disengaged for temporary purposes.

contact, or in sympathy. -- To keep touch. (a) To be true or punctual to a promise or engagement [Obs.]; hence, to fulfill duly a function. My mind and senses keep touch and time. Sir W. Scott.