GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 3 definitions

1.       
   Begin , v. i. [imp. & p. p. Began , Begun ; p. pr. & vb. n. Beginning .] [AS. beginnan (akin to OS. biginnan, D. & G. beginnen, OHG. biginnan, Goth., du-ginnan, Sw. begynna, Dan. begynde); pref. be- + an assumed ginnan. √31. See Gin to begin.]
   To have or commence an independent or first existence; to take rise; to commence.
   1913 Webster
   Vast chain of being! which from God began.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   To do the first act or the first part of an action; to enter upon or commence something new, as a new form or state of being, or course of action; to take the first step; to start. “Tears began to flow.”  
   Dryden.
   
   1913 Webster
   When I begin, I will also make an end.
   1 Sam. iii. 12.
   
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2.       
   Begin, v. t.
   To enter on; to commence.
   1913 Webster
   Ye nymphs of Solyma ! begin the song.
   Pope.
   
   1913 Webster
   To trace or lay the foundation of; to make or place a beginning of.
   1913 Webster
   The apostle begins our knowledge in the creatures, which leads us to the knowledge of God.
   Locke.
   
   1913 Webster
   Syn. -- To commence; originate; set about; start.
   1913 Webster
   
         
       

3.       
   Begin, n. Beginning. [Poetic & Obs.]
   Spenser.
   
   1913 Webster