Emily Dickinson Lexicon

TASK, n. [Fr. tache; W. tasg, a bond, a pledge, that which is settled or agreed to be done, a job, a task; Gaelic and Ir. tasg, task, and tasgaire, a slave; It. tassa. The sense is that which is set or fixed, from throwing or putting on.]

1. Business imposed by another, often a definite quantity or amount of labor. Each man has his task. When he has performed his task, his time is his own. Exod. v.
2. Business; employment. His mental powers were equal to greater tasks. Atterbury.
3. Burdensome employment. To take to task, to reprove; to reprimand; as, to take one to task for idleness. Addison.