Commence \Com*mence"\ (k[o^]m*m[e^]ns"), v. i. [imp. & p. p.
   {Commenced} (k[o^]m*m[e^]nst"); p. pr. & vb. n.
   {Commencing}.] [F. commencer, OF. comencier, fr. L. com- +
   initiare to begin. See {Initiate}.]
   1. To have a beginning or origin; to originate; to start; to
      begin.
      
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            Here the anthem doth commence.        --Shak.
      
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            His heaven commences ere the world be past.
                                                  --Goldsmith.
      
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   2. To begin to be, or to act as. [Archaic]
      
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            We commence judges ourselves.         --Coleridge.
      
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   3. To take a degree at a university. [Eng.]
      
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            I question whether the formality of commencing was
            used in that age.                     --Fuller.
      
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