Be‐gin″ (�), v. i. [imp. & p. p.Began (�), Begun (�); p. pr. & vb. n.Beginning (�).] [AS. beginnan (akin to OS. biginnan, D. & G. beginnen, OHG. biginnan, Goth., du-ginnan, Sw. begynna, Dan. begynde); pref. be- + an assumed ginnan. √31. See Gin to begin.] 1. To have or commence an independent or first existence; to take rise; to commence.
Vast chain of being! which from God began.
Pope.
2. To do the first act or the first part of an action; to enter upon or commence something new, as a new form or state of being, or course of action; to take the first step; to start. “Tears began to flow.” Dryden.
When I begin, I will also make an end.
1 Sam. iii. 12.