Part 248

Dr. H. More.

To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough.

Locke.

3. 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.

In*i"ti*ate, v. i. To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. [R.] Pope.

In*i"ti*ate (?), a. [L. initiatus, p. p.]

1. Unpracticed; untried; new. [Obs.] "The initiate fear that wants hard use." Shak.

2. 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.

In*i"ti*ate, n. One who is, or is to be, initiated.

In*i`ti*a"tion (?), n. [L. initiatio: cf. F. initiation.]

1. The act of initiating, or the process of being initiated or introduced; as, initiation into a society, into business, literature, etc. "The initiation of courses of events." Pope.

2. The form or ceremony by which a person is introduced into any society; mode of entrance into an organized body; especially, the rite of admission into a secret society or order.

Silence is the first thing that is taught us at our initiation into sacred mysteries.

Broome.

In*i"ti*a*tive (?), a. [Cf. F. initiatif.] Serving to initiate; inceptive; initiatory; introductory; preliminary.

In*i"ti*a*tive, n. [Cf. F. initiative.]

1. An introductory step or movement; an act which originates or begins.

The undeveloped initiatives of good things to come.

I. Taylor.

2. The right or power to introduce a new measure or course of action, as in legislation; as, the initiative in respect to revenue bills is in the House of Representatives.

In*i"ti*a`tor (?), n. [L.] One who initiates.