GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

last match results

Found 4 definitions

1.       
   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.]
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   To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon.
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   How are changes of this sort to be initiated?
   I. Taylor.
   
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   To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
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   Providence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry.
   Dr. H. More.
   
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   To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough.
   Locke.
   
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   To introduce into a society or organization; to confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
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   The Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honor after death.
   Bp. Warburton.
   
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   He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty.
   Spectator.
   
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2.       
   Initiate, v. i. To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. [R.]
   Pope.
   
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3.       
   Initiate , a. [L. initiatus, p. p.]
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   Unpracticed; untried; new. [Obs.] “The initiate fear that wants hard use.”
   Shak.
   
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   Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.
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   To rise in science as in bliss,
   Initiate in the secrets of the skies.
   Young.
   
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   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.
   
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4.       
   Initiate, n. One who is, or is to be, initiated.
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