Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Initiate?

\In*i"ti*ate\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Initiated}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Initiating}.] [L. initiatus, p. p. of initiare to begin, fr. initium beginning. See {Initial}.] 1. To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon. How are changes of this sort to be initiated? --I. Taylor. 2. 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. 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.