Engage, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Engaged; p. pr. & vb. n. Engaging.]
Etymology: [F. engager; pref. en- (L. in) + gage pledge, pawn. See Gage.]
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. "I to thee engaged a prince's word." Shak.
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. Addison.
4. To employ the attention and efforts of; to occupy; to engross; to draw on. Thus shall mankind his guardian care engage. Pope. Taking upon himself the difficult task of engaging him in conversation. Hawthorne.
3 more senses
5. To enter into contest with; to encounter; to bring to conflict. A favorable opportunity of engaging the enemy. Ludlow.
6. (Mach.)
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.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Engage, v. i.
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. Fuller.
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. (Mach.)
To be in gear, as two cogwheels working together.