Commencement \Com*mence"ment\, n. [F. commencement.]

1. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start.

The time of Henry VII. . . . nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed ``modern history.'' --Hallam.

2. The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)