noun.
The act or fact of commencing; beginning; rise; origin; first existence; inception.
noun.
In the University of Cambridge, England, the day when masters of arts, doctors, and bachelors receive their degrees: so called from the fact that the candidate commences master, doctor, licentiate, etc., on that day. See commence, v. i., 3.
noun.
In American colleges, the annual ceremonies with which the members of the graduating class are made bachelors (of arts, sciences, engineering, etc.), and the degree of master of arts and various honorary degrees are conferred.