gerund

n. [ L. gerundium, fr. gerere to bear, carry, perform. See Gest a deed, Jest. ] (Lat. Gram.) [ 1913 Webster ]

1. A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases of the singular number, and governing cases like a participle. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. In Modern English, the -ing form of a verb, when functioning as a noun; as, running is good for the heart. [ PJC ]

3. (AS. Gram.) A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and usually denoting purpose or end; -- called also the dative infinitive; as, “Ic hæbbe mete tô etanne” (I have meat to eat.). [ 1913 Webster ]