The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Task \Task\ (t[.a]sk), n. [OE. taske, OF. tasque, F. t[^a]che,
   for tasche, LL. tasca, taxa, fr. L. taxare to rate, appraise,
   estimate. See Tax, n. & v.]
   1. Labor or study imposed by another, often in a definite
      quantity or amount.
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            Ma task of servile toil.              --Milton.
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            Each morning sees some task begin,
            Each evening sees it close.           --Longfellow.
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   2. Business; employment; undertaking; labor.
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            His mental powers were equal to greater tasks.
                                                  --Atterbury.
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   To take to task. See under Take.
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   Syn: Work; labor; employment; business; toil; drudgery;
        study; lesson; stint.
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