v. i. [ imp. & p. p. Commenced p. pr. & vb. n. Commencing. ] [ F. commencer, OF. comencier, fr. L. com- + initiare to begin. See Initiate. ] 1. To have a beginning or origin; to originate; to start; to begin. [ 1913 Webster ]

Here the anthem doth commence. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

His heaven commences ere the world be past. Goldsmith. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To begin to be, or to act as. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

We commence judges ourselves. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To take a degree at a university. [ Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

I question whether the formality of commencing was used in that age. Fuller. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. To enter upon; to begin; to perform the first act of. [ 1913 Webster ]

Many a wooer doth commence his suit. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ 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. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ F. commencement. ] 1. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start. [ 1913 Webster ]

The time of Henry VII. . . . nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed “modern history.” Hallam. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. 1. Commendation; praise. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Speak in his just commend. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. pl. Compliments; greetings. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Hearty commends and much endeared love to you. Howell. [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

His eye commends the leading to his hand. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit. Luke xxiii. 46. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To recommend as worthy of confidence or regard; to present as worthy of notice or favorable attention. [ 1913 Webster ]

Among the objects of knowledge, two especially commend themselves to our contemplation. Sir M. Hale. [ 1913 Webster ]

I commend unto you Phebe our sister. Rom. xvi. 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To mention with approbation; to praise; as, to commend a person or an act. [ 1913 Webster ]

Historians commend Alexander for weeping when he read the actions of Achilles. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. To mention by way of courtesy, implying remembrance and good will. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Commend me to my brother. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. (Formerly accented on the first syllable.) [ L. commendabilis. ] Worthy of being commended or praised; laudable; praiseworthy. [ 1913 Webster ]

Order and decent ceremonies in the church are not only comely but commendable. Bacon.

-- Com*mend"a*ble*ness, n. -- Com*mend"a*bly, adv. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. dare in commendam to give into trust. ] (Eng. Eccl. Law) A vacant living or benefice commended to a cleric (usually a bishop) who enjoyed the revenue until a pastor was provided. A living so held was said to be held in commendam. The practice was abolished by law in 1836. [ 1913 Webster ]

There was [ formerly ] some sense for commendams. Selden. [ 1913 Webster ]

Partnership in commendam. See under Partnership. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Cf. F. commendataire, LL. commendatarius. ] One who holds a living in commendam. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. commendatio. ] 1. The act of commending; praise; favorable representation in words; recommendation. [ 1913 Webster ]

Need we . . . epistles of commendation? 2 Cor. iii. 1. [ 1913 Webster ]

By the commendation of the great officers. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which is the ground of approbation or praise. [ 1913 Webster ]

Good nature is the most godlike commendation of a man. Dryden. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. pl. A message of affection or respect; compliments; greeting. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

Hark you, Margaret;
No princely commendations to my king? Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ LL. ] One who holds a benefice in commendam; a commendatary. Chalmers. [ 1913 Webster ]