Obs. Also 5 en-, empryse. [f. prec. sb.] trans. To undertake, take on oneself.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Pers. T., ¶ 329. Presumpcioun is whan a man undertakith and emprisith that him oughte not to do.
1485. Caxton, Chas. Gt., Pref. 3. I haue enprysed … to reduce this sayd book in to our englysshe. Ibid. (1490), Eneydos, 3. I knowleche my selfe ignorant of connynge to enpryse on me so hie and noble a werke.
1590. R. W[ilson], Three Lords & Ladies Lond., in Hazl., Dodsley, VI. 376. Each in honour of his mistress, Hath here empris’d the challenge of his right.
a. 1608. Sackville, Dk. Buckingham, lviii. (1820), 152 (D.).
| As, thereto trusting, I emprised the same: | |
| But too much trusting brought me to my bane. |
Hence Emprising ppl. a., enterprising, adventurous.
a. 1844. Campbell, Lines Departure Emigrants. Go forth and prosper then, emprising band.
