sets about

Verb

set about (third-person singular simple present sets about, present participle setting about, simple past and past participle set about)

1. Used with the adverb sense of about.
   1. (transitive, archaic except chiefly Northern England) To circulate or spread (news, a rumour, etc.)
      • For ſome vveeks before it [Parliament] met there vvas ſuch a number of Refugees coming over every day, vvho ſet about a moſt diſmal recital of the perſecution in France, and that in ſo many inſtances that vvere crying and odious, […]a. 1716 (date written), [Gilbert] Burnet, “Book IV. Of the Reign of King James II.”, in [Gilbert Burnet Jr.], editor, Bishop Burnet’s History of His Own Time. […], volume I, London: […] Thomas Ward...
2. (archaic, transitive) To plant trees or other vegetation in (a place).
   • [I]ndeede the whole island is a mount ascended by several terraces and walks all set about with orange and citron trees.1646 March, John Evelyn, “[Diary entry for March 1646]”, in William Bray, editor, Memoirs, Illustrative of the Life and Writings of John Evelyn, […], 2nd edition, volume I, London: Henry Colburn...
3. (archaic, transitive, passive voice) To encircle or surround (something) with other things.
   • Ascending the hill we came to St. Sabina, an ancient fabric, formerly sacred to Diana; there in a Chapel is an admirable picture, the work of Livia Fontana, set about with columns of alabaster, […]1645 February 24 (Gregorian calendar), John Evelyn, “[Diary entry for 15 February 1645]”, in William Bray, editor, Memoirs, Illustrative of the Life and Writings of John Evelyn, […], 2nd edition...
4. (UK, informal, transitive) To attack (someone); to set upon.
   • Two youths set about him.

   Synonyms:

   begin upon

5. (intransitive) To start doing or to devote oneself to some task; to set upon.
   • He set about designing his homepage.

   Synonyms:

   begin upon, undertake, embark on, set to, take in hand