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..., for many generations, they had lived in so respectable a manner, as to engage the general good opinion of their surrounding acquaintance.
(My question) What does 'engage the general good opinion of their surrounding acquaintance' mean?
Here my ideas.
"...engage the general good opinion of their surrounding acquaintance" means that the person needs to make an effort to keep in favour with their neighbours by pleasing them.
en·gage [en-geyj]
verb (used with object), en·gaged, en·gag·ing.
to occupy the attention or efforts of (a person or persons): He engaged her in conversation.
to attract and hold fast: The novel engaged her attention and interest.
- to attract or please: His good nature engages everyone.
