un·der·tak·ing / ˈəndərˌtāking; ˌəndərˈtā-/ • n. 1. a formal pledge or promise to do something: I give an undertaking that we shall proceed with the legislation. ∎  a task that is taken on; an enterprise: a mammoth undertaking that involved digging into the side of a cliff face. ∎  the action of undertaking to do something: the knowing undertaking of an obligation. 2. / ˈəndərˌtāking/ the management of funerals as a profession.

UNDERTAKING

A written promise offered as security for the performance of a particular act required in a legal action.

In a criminal case, an undertaking of bail is security for the appearance of the defendant. In the event the defendant fails to appear, the amount posted as bail is forfeited.

An undertaking with adequate security is a bond. The term is used in a general sense to refer to any type of promise or stipulation.