pre-engage verb. [,pri:ɪn'geɪdʒ, -ɛn-] Also pre-ingage. M17.
[from PRE- 1 + ENGAGE verb.]
1. verb trans. Bind (a person) in advance by a pledge or promise; spec. betroth beforehand (usu. refl. or in pass.). M17.
■ G. A. Bellamy She pressed me to stay dinner, but..I informed her that I was pre-engaged.
b. verb intrans. Pledge oneself, guarantee beforehand, (that, to do). M17.

2. verb trans. Win over beforehand; secure for oneself beforehand, bespeak. M17.
■ John Boyle They had pre-engaged all readers in his favour.

3. verb trans. Occupy beforehand, preoccupy. M17.

■ pre-engagement noun M17.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲