emprise

noun

1. (archaic)An enterprise or endeavor, especially a quest or adventure.

   “[N]oble minds of yore allyed were, / In braue poursuit of cheualrous emprize, / That none did others safety despize […]”

   “the deeds of love and high emprise”

   “And as he is, who unwills what he willed, / And by new thoughts doth his intention change, / So that from his design he quite withdraws, / Such I became, upon that dark hillside, / Because, in thinking, I consumed the emprise, / Which was so very prompt in the beginning.”

   “Nothing short of an imperative sense of duty could tempt me to set forth on that most perilous emprise, a discussion of the American language.”

2. (archaic)The qualities which prompt one to undertake difficult and dangerous exploits; chivalric prowess.

   “I love thy courage yet, and bold emprise; / But here thy sword can do thee little stead.”

verb

1. (obsolete)To undertake.