Begin \Be*gin"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Began, Begun; p. pr. & vb. n. Beginning.]

[AS. beginnan (akin to OS. biginnan, D. & G. beginnen, OHG. biginnan, Goth., du-ginnan, Sw. begynna,

1. See Gin to begin.]

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. ``Tears began to flow.'' --Dryden.

When I begin, I will also make an end. --1 Sam. iii. 12.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Begin \Be*gin"\, v. t.

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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
 

Begin \Be*gin"\, n. Beginning. [Poetic & Obs.]

--Spenser.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)