In a message dated 3/25/01 4:25:00 PM Eastern Standard Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED]
writes:
<< I have tried to find the origin of the word "UNDERTAKER" with mixed
results. The word does not lend itself to the handling of the dead. >>
See if this will suffice:
http://www.m-w.com/wftw/00jan/010600.htm
Below is the chronology of the word:
The various meanings have been as follows:
late 14C - one who aids or assists; a helper. Obs.
mid-15C - one a who rebukes, tells off.
early 15C - one who undertakes a task or enterprise.
early 17C -one who accepts a challenge.
16C-17C - one who undertook to hold crown lands in Ireland.
17C - one of those who in the reigns of James I, Charles I and Charles II
undertook to influence the action of Parliament, esp. with regard to the
voting of supplies.
late 16C - one of those Lowland Scots who attempted to colonize the Island of
Lewis.
early 17C-early 19C One who undertakes to carry out work or business for
another; a contractor; †a collector or farmer of taxes.
late 17C+ a funeral director
Donna
