D defs.my
Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913

Commencement

/kəm-ĕn'-smənt/ · Com·mence·ment · IPA /kəˈmɛnsmənt/
01 n. The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start.
  1. 1.
    The first existence of anything; act or fact of commencing; rise; origin; beginning; start.
    “The time of Henry VII. . . . nearly coincides with the commencement of what is termed “modern history.”” Hallam.
  2. 2.
    The day when degrees are conferred by colleges and universities upon students and others.