initiate

Definitions

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

Source: Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913 edition (public domain, via GCIDE / Project Gutenberg).

Related questions

• What does "initiate" mean?

Reverse-dictionary questions

Definition-first questions whose answer is initiate.

• What is to do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. [R.] Pope called?
• What is unpracticed; untried; new. [Obs.] "The initiate fear that wants hard use." Shak called?