\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.