to mean business

Webster's Dictionary (GCIDE)

1.That which busies one, or that which engages the time, attention, or labor of any one, as his principal concern or interest, whether for a longer or shorter time; constant employment; regular occupation; as, the business of life; business before pleasure. [1913 Webster]

Wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?— Luke ii. 49.[1913 Webster]

2.Any particular occupation or employment engaged in for livelihood or gain, as agriculture, trade, art, or a profession. "The business of instruction." --Prescott. [1913 Webster]

3.Financial dealings; buying and selling; traffic in general; mercantile transactions. [1913 Webster]

It seldom happens that men of a studious turn acquire any degree of reputation for their knowledge of business.— Bp. Popteus.[1913 Webster]

4.That which one has to do or should do; special service, duty, or mission. [1913 Webster]

The daughter of the King of France, On serious business, craving quick despatch, Importunes personal conference.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

What business has the tortoise among the clouds?— L'Estrange.[1913 Webster]

5.Affair; concern; matter; -- used in an indefinite sense, and modified by the connected words. [1913 Webster]

It was a gentle business, and becoming The action of good women.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

Bestow Your needful counsel to our business.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

7.Care; anxiety; diligence. [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster]

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.] [1913 Webster]

Syn: Affairs; concern; transaction; matter; engagement; employment; calling; occupation; trade; profession; vocation; office; duty. [1913 Webster]