in·au·gu·rate [ i náwgyə ràyt ](past and past participlein·au·gu·rat·ed, present participlein·au·gu·rat·ing, 3rd person present singularin·au·gu·rates)
transitive verb
Definition:
1. swear somebody formally into office: to install somebody in office with a formal ceremony
2. open something ceremonially: to open or mark the beginning of something with a formal ceremony or dedication
3. put something into operation: to initiate something or put it into operation, especially in a formal or official manner
[Late 16th century. < Latin inaugurat-, past participle of inaugurare "predict from birds' flight, install after observing the omens" < augurari "predict from omens" < augur "augur"]
