Crossword Genius

Impressed by pieces, say, editor undertook (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

essayed

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'undertook' is the definition.
The definition and answer can be both to do with social activities as well as being past participle verbs.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I can't see?

'impressed by pieces say editor' is the wordplay.
'ESSAYED' is hidden in amongst the letters.
But, I am unsure how the hidden word is indicated.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for essayed that I've seen before include "Tried (E, not A)" , "tested" , "Attempted, tried" , "Attempted, strove" , "Made formal attempt" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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