Begin — Defs

01 v. i. To have or commence an independent or first existence; to take rise; to commence.

imp. & p. p. Began; p. pr. & vb. n. Beginning

1.
To have or commence an independent or first existence; to take rise; to commence.
“Vast chain of being! which from God began.” — Pope.
2.
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.
“When I begin, I will also make an end.” — 1 Sam. iii. 12.

02 v. t. To enter on; to commence.

1.
To enter on; to commence.
“Ye nymphs of Solyma ! begin the song.” — Pope.
2.
To trace or lay the foundation of; to make or place a beginning of.
“The apostle begins our knowledge in the creatures, which leads us to the knowledge of God.” — Locke.

Syn. To commence; originate; set about; start.

03 n. Beginning.