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.