Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Enterprise

Enterprise , noun

[French enterprise, from entreprendre to undertake; entre between (Latin inter) + prendre to take. See Inter, and Emprise.]

1.
That which is undertaken; something attempted to be performed; a work projected which involves activity, courage, energy, and the like; a bold, arduous, or hazardous attempt; an undertaking; as, a manly enterprise; a warlike enterprise. — Shakespeare
Their hands can not perform their enterprise. — Job v. 12
2.
Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.

Enterprise , transitive verb

1.
To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon. [Rare]
The business must be enterprised this night. — Dryden
What would I not renounce or enterprise for you! — T. Otway
2.
To treat with hospitality; to entertain. [Obsolete]
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise. — Spenser

Enterprise , intransitive verb

To undertake an enterprise, or something hazardous or difficult. [Rare] — Pope