Business — Defs

01 n. 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 …

pl. Businesses ((bĭz"nĕs*ĕz))

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.
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.
The position, distribution, and order of persons and properties on the stage of a theater, as determined by the stage manager in rehearsal.(Drama)
7.
Care; anxiety; diligence.[Obs.]

Phrases & compounds

To do one's business — to ruin one.

To make (a thing) one's business — to occupy one's self with a thing as a special charge or duty.

To mean business — to be earnest.