enterprise Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a purposeful or industrious undertaking (especially one that requires effort or boldness)
endeavor; endeavour.
- he had doubts about the whole enterprise
noun an organization created for business ventures
- a growing enterprise must have a bold leader
noun readiness to embark on bold new ventures
enterprisingness; initiative; go-ahead.

F. enterprise, fr. entreprendre to undertake; entre between (L. inter) + prendre to take. See Inter, and Emprise.

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. Shak.
Their hands can not perform their enterprise. Job v. 12.
Willingness or eagerness to engage in labor which requires boldness, promptness, energy, and like qualities; as, a man of great enterprise.

To undertake; to begin and attempt to perform; to venture upon. R.
The business must be enterprised this night. Dryden.

What would I not renounce or enterprise for you! T. Otway.
To treat with hospitality; to entertain. Obs.
Him at the threshold met, and well did enterprise. Spenser.