I question whether the formality of commencing was used in that age.
Fuller.
Com*mence", v. t. To enter upon; to begin; to perform the first act of.
Many a wooer doth commence his suit.
Shak.
&fist; It is the practice of good writers to use the verbal noun (instead of the infinitive with to) after commence; as, he commenced studying, not he commenced to study.
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.
Com*mend" (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Commended; p. pr. & vb. n. Commending.] [L. commendare; com- + mandare to intrust to one's charge, enjoin, command. Cf. Command, Mandate.] 1. To commit, intrust, or give in charge for care or preservation.
His eye commends the leading to his hand.
Shak.
Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit.
Luke xxiii. 46.
2. To recommend as worthy of confidence or regard; to present as worthy of notice or favorable attention.
Among the objects of knowledge, two especially commend themselves to our contemplation.
Sir M. Hale.
I commend unto you Phebe our sister.
Rom. xvi. 1.