n. A commencement made anew. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. commencement. ] 1. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start. [ 1913 Webster ]
The time of Henry VII. . . . nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed “modern history.” Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others. [ 1913 Webster ]