from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Gerund \Ger"und\, n. [L. gerundium, fr. gerere to bear, carry,
perform. See {Gest} a deed, {Jest}.] (Lat. Gram.)
[1913 Webster]
1. A kind of verbal noun, having only the four oblique cases
of the singular number, and governing cases like a
participle.
[1913 Webster]
2. In Modern English, the -ing form of a verb, when
functioning as a noun; as, running is good for the heart.
[PJC]
3. (AS. Gram.) A verbal noun ending in -e, preceded by to and
usually denoting purpose or end; -- called also the
{dative infinitive}; as, "Ic h[ae]bbe mete t[^o] etanne"
(I have meat to eat.).
[1913 Webster]