What does "rudiment" mean?

Rudiment: Hence, an element or first principle of any art or science; a beginning of any knowledge; a first step. This boy is forest-born, And hath been tutored in the rudiments of many desperate studies. Shak. There he shall first lay down the rudiments Of his great warfare. Milton.

Additional senses

  1. 2.(Biol.) An imperfect organ or part, or one which is never developed.
  2. 3.To furnish with first principles or rules; to insrtuct in the rudiments. Gayton.

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