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The Collaborative International Dictionary
To mean business

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.

    Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?
    --Luke ii. 49.

  2. Any particular occupation or employment engaged in for livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, art, or a profession. ``The business of instruction.''
    --Prescott.

  3. 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.

  4. 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.

  5. 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.

  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.

  7. 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.