Engage /(?)/

imp. & p. p. Engaged; p. pr. & vb. n. Engaging

1. To put under pledge; to pledge; to place under obligations to do or forbear doing something, as by a pledge, oath, or promise; to bind by contract or promise.
2. To gain for service; to bring in as associate or aid; to enlist; as, to engage friends to aid in a cause; to engage men for service.
3. To gain over; to win and attach; to attract and hold; to draw.

   Good nature engages everybody to him.

4. To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on.

   Thus shall mankind his guardian care engage.

   Taking upon himself the difficult task of engaging him in conversation.

5. To enter into contest with; to encounter; to bring to conflict.

   A favorable opportunity of engaging the enemy.

6. To come into gear with; as, the teeth of one cogwheel engage those of another, or one part of a clutch engages the other part. (Mach.)

1. To promise or pledge one's self; to enter into an obligation; to become bound; to warrant.

   How proper the remedy for the malady, I engage not.

2. To embark in a business; to take a part; to employ or involve one's self; to devote attention and effort; to enlist; as, to engage in controversy.
3. To enter into conflict; to join battle; as, the armies engaged in a general battle.
4. To be in gear, as two cogwheels working together. (Mach.)