Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Inaugurate?

\In*au"gu*rate\, a. [L. inauguratus, p. p. of inaugurare to take omens from the flight of birds (before entering upon any important undertaking); hence, to consecrate, inaugurate, or install, with such divination; pref. in- in + augurare, augurari, to augur. See {Augur}.] Invested with office; inaugurated. --Drayton.
\In*au"gu*rate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Inaugurated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Inaugurating}.] 1. To introduce or induct into an office with suitable ceremonies or solemnities; to invest with power or authority in a formal manner; to install; as, to inaugurate a president; to inaugurate a king. --Milton. 2. To cause to begin, esp. with formality or solemn ceremony; hence, to set in motion, action, or progress; to initiate; -- used especially of something of dignity or worth or public concern; as, to inaugurate a new era of things, new methods, etc. As if kings did closes remarkable days to inaugurate their favors. --Sir H. Wotton. 3. To celebrate the completion of, or the first public use of; to dedicate, as a statue. [Colloq.] 4. To begin with good omens. [Obs.] --Sir H. Wotton.