set about

verb6

1. •
   To start doing or to devote oneself to some task; to set upon.

   • He set about designing his homepage.
   • She set about the task with a will.
2. •
   (UK, informal) To attack (someone); to set upon.

   • Two youths set about him.
3. •
   To circulate or spread (news, a rumour, etc.)
4. •
   Used with the adverb sense of about.
5. •
   (no longer used) 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
6. •
   (no longer used) 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