transitive verb inaugurated -·rat′ed, inaugurating -·rat′·ing

1. to induct (an official) into office with a formal ceremony
2. to make a formal beginning of; start to inaugurate a new policy
3. to celebrate formally the first public use of; dedicate to inaugurate a new library

Etymology: < L inauguratus, pp. of inaugurare, to practice augury; to consecrate (a person in office) by augury: see in- & augur