beginv. i.[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.(Dryden.)When I begin, I will also make an end. (1 Sam. iii. 12.)v. t.1. To enter on; to commence.()Ye nymphs of Solyma ! begin the song. (Pope.)2. To trace or lay the foundation of; to make or place a beginning of.()The apostle begins our knowledge in the creatures, which leads us to the knowledge of God. (Locke.)()n. Beginning.(Spenser.)