initiatory

comparative more initiatory · superlative most initiatory

1. Of or pertaining to initiation.

   The Auburn Knights of Honor will present the mock exposé of the initiatory ceremonies, given last year by the Lewiston lodge with such rich success, with new and improved details, in their hall, some time next month.

   1881 December 27, “City and County”, in Lewiston Evening Journal, 5 p.m. edition, volume XXI, Lewiston, Me., →OCLC, page [3], column 1

2. Inceptive, initial, inaugural or introductory.

   some initiatory treatises in the law

   1652, George Herbert, A Priest to the Temple

   1 more example

   Two initiatory rites of the same general import cannot exist together.

   1815, John M. Mason, Essays on the Church of God

plural initiatories

1. An introductory act or rite.