n.; pl. Businesses [ From Busy. ] 1. That which busies one, or that which engages the time, attention, or labor of any one, as his principal concern or interest, whether for a longer or shorter time; constant employment; regular occupation; as, the business of life; business before pleasure. [ 1913 Webster ] Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? Luke ii. 49. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Any particular occupation or employment engaged in for livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, art, or a profession. “The business of instruction.” Prescott. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. Financial dealings; buying and selling; traffic in general; mercantile transactions. [ 1913 Webster ] It seldom happens that men of a studious turn acquire any degree of reputation for their knowledge of business. Bp. Popteus. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. That which one has to do or should do; special service, duty, or mission. [ 1913 Webster ] The daughter of the King of France,
On serious business, craving quick despatch,
Importunes personal conference. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] What business has the tortoise among the clouds? L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ] 5. Affair; concern; matter; -- used in an indefinite sense, and modified by the connected words. [ 1913 Webster ] It was a gentle business, and becoming
The action of good women. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] Bestow
Your needful counsel to our business. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 6. (Drama) The position, distribution, and order of persons and properties on the stage of a theater, as determined by the stage manager in rehearsal. [ 1913 Webster ] 7. Care; anxiety; diligence. [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
To do one's business, to ruin one. [ Colloq. ] Wycherley. --
To make (a thing) one's business, to occupy one's self with a thing as a special charge or duty. [ Colloq. ] --
To mean business, to be earnest. [ Colloq. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
Syn. -- Affairs; concern; transaction; matter; engagement; employment; calling; occupation; trade; profession; vocation; office; duty. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
