vbl. sb. and ppl. a. Beginning: graduating: see the vb.
1588. R. Parke, trans. Mendoza’s Hist. China, 88. Of their commencing and rewardes.
1674. Hickman, Quinquart. Hist. (ed. 2), 212. At the time of his commencing Dr. in Divinity.
1715. M. Davies, Ath. Brit., I. 18. For commencing Graduates in Divinity.
1820. Gentl. Mag., XC. I. 162. The late Dr. Smith’s annual prize of £25 each to the two best proficients in Mathematics and Natural Philosophy among the Commencing Bachelors of Arts.
1851. Herschel, Stud. Nat. Phil., II. iii. 113. The decisive mark of a great commencing change.
1886. W. D. Macray, Parnassus Plays, Notes, 156. The commencing words of the condition of a bond.
