Initiating

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Initiate \In*i"ti*ate\, 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]