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.
Hear it pronounced