BUSINESS

noun Usage: often attributive Etymology: Middle English bisynesse, from bisy busy + -nesse -ness Date: 14th century purposeful activity ; busyness, 2. role , function , an immediate task or objective ; mission , a particular field of endeavor , 3. a usually commercial or mercantile activity engaged in as a means of livelihood ; trade , line , a commercial or sometimes an industrial enterprise, dealings or transactions especially of an economic nature ; patronage , affair , matter , creation , concoction, movement or action (as lighting a cigarette) by an actor intended especially to establish atmosphere, reveal character, or explain a situation, 7. personal concern , right , 8. serious activity requiring time and effort and usually the avoidance of distractions , maximum effort, 9. a damaging assault, rebuke , tongue-lashing, double cross , a bowel movement, Synonyms: see: ~ see: work