In*au"gu*rate (?), a. [L.
inauguratus, p. p. of inaugurare to take omens from the
flight of birds (before entering upon any important undertaking);
hence, to consecrate, inaugurate, or install, with such divination;
pref. in- in + augurare, augurari, to augur. See
Augur.] Invested with office; inaugurated.
Drayton.
In*au"gu*rate (?), v. t. [imp.
& p. p. Inaugurated (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Inaugurating (?).]
1. To introduce or induct into an office with
suitable ceremonies or solemnities; to invest with power or authority
in a formal manner; to install; as, to inaugurate a president;
to inaugurate a king. Milton.
2. To cause to begin, esp. with formality or
solemn ceremony; hence, to set in motion, action, or progress; to
initiate; -- used especially of something of dignity or worth or
public concern; as, to inaugurate a new era of things, new
methods, etc.
As if kings did choose remarkable days to
inaugurate their favors.
Sir H.
Wotton.
3. To celebrate the completion of, or the
first public use of; to dedicate, as a statue. [Colloq.]
4. To begin with good omens. [Obs.]
Sir H. Wotton.
