From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:
Business \Busi"ness\ (b[i^]z"n[e^]s), n.; pl. {Businesses}
(b[i^]z"n[e^]s*[e^]z). [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.
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Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's
business? --Luke ii. 49.
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2. Any particular occupation or employment engaged in for
livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, art, or a
profession. "The business of instruction." --Prescott.
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3. Financial dealings; buying and selling; traffic in
general; mercantile transactions.
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It seldom happens that men of a studious turn
acquire any degree of reputation for their knowledge
of business. --Bp. Popteus.
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4. That which one has to do or should do; special service,
duty, or mission.
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The daughter of the King of France,
On serious business, craving quick despatch,
Importunes personal conference. --Shak.
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What business has the tortoise among the clouds?
--L'Estrange.
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5. Affair; concern; matter; -- used in an indefinite sense,
and modified by the connected words.
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It was a gentle business, and becoming
The action of good women. --Shak.
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Bestow
Your needful counsel to our business. --Shak.
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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.
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7. Care; anxiety; diligence. [Obs.] --Chaucer.
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{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.]
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Syn: Affairs; concern; transaction; matter; engagement;
employment; calling; occupation; trade; profession;
vocation; office; duty.
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