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.