Engage
Engage , transitive verb
[French engager; pref. en- (Latin in) + gage pledge, pawn. See Gage.]
1.
To put under pledge; to pledge; to place under obligations to do or forbear doing something, as by a pledge, oath, or promise; to bind by contract or promise.
I to thee engaged a prince's word.
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.
3.
To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw.
Good nature engages everybody to him.
4.
To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on.
Thus shall mankind his guardian care engage.
Taking upon himself the difficult task of engaging him in conversation.
5.
To enter into contest with; to encounter; to bring to conflict.
A favorable opportunity of engaging the enemy.
6.
(Machinery) To come into gear with; as, the teeth of one cogwheel engage those of another, or one part of a clutch engages the other part.
Engage , intransitive verb
1.
To promise or pledge one's self; to enter into an obligation; to become bound; to warrant.
How proper the remedy for the malady, I engage not.
2.
To embark in a business; to take a part; to employ or involve one's self; to devote attention and effort; to enlist; as, to engage in controversy.
3.
To enter into conflict; to join battle; as, the armies engaged in a general battle.
4.
(Machinery) To be in gear, as two cogwheels working together.