initiate

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Initiated p. pr. & vb. n. Initiating ] [ L. initiatus, p. p. of initiare to begin, fr. initium beginning. See Initial. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon. [ 1913 Webster ]

How are changes of this sort to be initiated? I. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce. [ 1913 Webster ]

Providence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough. Locke. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To introduce into a society or organization; to confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies. [ 1913 Webster ]

The Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honor after death. Bp. Warburton. [ 1913 Webster ]

He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty. Spectator. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. i. To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. [ R. ] Pope. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. initiatus, p. p. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. Unpracticed; untried; new. [ Obs. ] “The initiate fear that wants hard use.” Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted. [ 1913 Webster ]

To rise in science as in bliss,
Initiate in the secrets of the skies. Young. [ 1913 Webster ]

Initiate tenant by courtesy (Law), said of a husband who becomes such in his wife's estate of inheritance by the birth of a child, but whose estate is not consummated till the death of the wife. Mozley & W. [ 1913 Webster ]