Found 1 items, similar to To mean business.
English → English (gcide) Definition: 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. [1913 Webster] Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business? --Luke ii. 49. [1913 Webster] 2. Any particular occupation or employment engaged in for livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, art, or a profession. “The business of instruction.” --Prescott. [1913 Webster] 3. Financial dealings; buying and selling; traffic in general; mercantile transactions. [1913 Webster] It seldom happens that men of a studious turn acquire any degree of reputation for their knowledge of business. --Bp. Popteus. [1913 Webster] 4. That which one has to do or should do; special service, duty, or mission. [1913 Webster] The daughter of the King of France, On serious business, craving quick despatch, Importunes personal conference. --Shak. [1913 Webster] What business has the tortoise among the clouds? --L'Estrange. [1913 Webster] 5. Affair; concern; matter; -- used in an indefinite sense, and modified by the connected words. [1913 Webster] It was a gentle business, and becoming The action of good women. --Shak. [1913 Webster] Bestow Your needful counsel to our business. --Shak. [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] 7. Care; anxiety; diligence. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster] 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.] [1913 Webster] Syn: Affairs; concern; transaction; matter; engagement; employment; calling; occupation; trade; profession; vocation; office; duty. [1913 Webster]