n. [ OE. taske, OF. tasque, F. tâche, for tasche, LL. tasca, taxa, fr. L. taxare to rate, appraise, estimate. See Tax, n. & v. ] 1. Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite quantity or amount. [ 1913 Webster ] Ma task of servile toil. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] Each morning sees some task begin, Each evening sees it close. Longfellow. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Business; employment; undertaking; labor. [ 1913 Webster ] His mental powers were equal to greater tasks. Atterbury. [ 1913 Webster ] To take to task. See under Take. [ 1913 Webster ] Syn. -- Work; labor; employment; business; toil; drudgery; study; lesson; stint. [ 1913 Webster ] |