The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Begin \Be*gin"\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Began, Begun; p. pr. &
   vb. n. Beginning.] [AS. beginnan (akin to OS. biginnan, D.
   & G. beginnen, OHG. biginnan, Goth., du-ginnan, Sw. begynna,
   Dan. begynde); pref. be- + an assumed ginnan. [root]31. See
   Gin to begin.]
   1. To have or commence an independent or first existence; to
      take rise; to commence.
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            Vast chain of being! which from God began. --Pope.
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   2. To do the first act or the first part of an action; to
      enter upon or commence something new, as a new form or
      state of being, or course of action; to take the first
      step; to start. "Tears began to flow." --Dryden.
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            When I begin, I will also make an end. --1 Sam. iii.
                                                  12.
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