Definition of "errand"

A journey undertaken to accomplish some task.

1. (literary or archaic) A mission or quest.  quotations

   Quotations

   • What will ye, said King Arthur, and what is your errand?(please add an English translation of this quotation)

     1470–1485 (date produced), Thomas Malory, “(please specify the chapter)”, in [Le Morte Darthur], (please specify the book number), [London: […] by William Caxton], published 31 July 1485; republished as H[einrich] Oskar Sommer, editor, Le Morte Darthur […], London: David Nutt, […], 1889,

   • Few have ever come hither through greater peril or on an errand more urgent.In this evil hour I have come on an errand over many dangerous leagues to Elrond: a hundred and ten days I have journeyed all alone.

     1954, J.R.R. Tolkien, The Fellowship of the Ring

2. A mundane mission of no great consequence, concerning household or business affairs (dropping items by, doing paperwork, going to a friend's house, etc.)  examples

The purpose of such a journey.  quotations  examples

An oral message trusted to a person for delivery.  quotations  examples

(transitive) To send someone on an errand.  examples

(intransitive) To go on an errand.  examples