Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913

Initiate

Initiate , transitive verb

[Latin initiatus, past participle of initiare to begin, from initium beginning. See Initial.]

1.
To introduce by a first act; to make a beginning with; to set afoot; to originate; to commence; to begin or enter upon.
How are changes of this sort to be initiated? — I. Taylor
2.
To acquaint with the beginnings; to instruct in the rudiments or principles; to introduce.
Providence would only initiate mankind into the useful knowledge of her treasures, leaving the rest to employ our industry. — Dr. H. More
To initiate his pupil into any part of learning, an ordinary skill in the governor is enough. — Locke
3.
To introduce into a society or organization; to confer membership on; especially, to admit to a secret order with mysterious rites or ceremonies.
The Athenians believed that he who was initiated and instructed in the mysteries would obtain celestial honor after death. — Bp. Warburton
He was initiated into half a dozen clubs before he was one and twenty. — Spectator

Initiate , intransitive verb

To do the first act; to perform the first rite; to take the initiative. [Rare] — Pope

Initiate , adjective

[Latin initiatus, p. p.]

1.
Unpracticed; untried; new. [Obsolete]
The initiate fear that wants hard use. — Shakespeare
2.
Begun; commenced; introduced to, or instructed in, the rudiments; newly admitted.
To rise in science as in bliss, Initiate in the secrets of the skies. — Young
Collocations (1)
Initiate tenant by courtesy (Law) , said of a husband who becomes such in his wife's estate of inheritance by the birth of a child, but whose estate is not consummated till the death of the wife. — Mozley & W

Initiate , noun

One who is, or is to be, initiated.