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.]