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