The Collaborative International Dictionary
Initiatory \In*i"ti*a*to*ry\, a.
Suitable for an introduction or beginning; introductory; prefatory; as, an initiatory step.
--Bp. Hall.-
Tending or serving to initiate; introducing by instruction, or by the use and application of symbols or ceremonies; elementary; rudimentary.
Some initiatory treatises in the law.
--Herbert.Two initiatory rites of the same general import can not exist together.
--J. M. Mason.
Initiatory \In*i"ti*a*to*ry\, n. An introductory act or rite. [R.]
Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
1610s, from Latin initiat-, stem of initiare (see initiate (v.)) + -ory.
Wiktionary
a. 1 Of or pertaining to initiation 2 inceptive, initial, inaugural or introductory n. An introductory act or rite.
WordNet
adj. serving to set in motion; "the magazine's inaugural issue"; "the initiative phase in the negotiations"; "an initiatory step toward a treaty"; "his first (or maiden) speech in Congress"; "the liner's maiden voyage" [syn: inaugural, initiative, first, maiden]
Usage examples of "initiatory".
She it was who bestowed his Messiahship by ritually anointing him with spikenard, and if the idea that she was wealthy is correct, then perhaps her influence made the initiatory and magical rite of the Crucifixion possible.
The initiatory contest between Lydon and Tetraides being less deadly than that between the other combatants, no sooner had they advanced to the middle of the arena than, as by common consent, the rest held back, to see how that contest should be decided, and wait till fiercer weapons might replace the cestus, ere they themselves commenced hostilities.
Of course, after only twelve brief, initiatory journeys into shih space, it would have been impossible for Danlo to have mastered tapas, or the other cybernetic senses.
Indeed the initiatory ceremonies are performed by the tribes jointly, now in the territory of the Bukaua, now in the territory of the Yabim, or in the land of the Kai, a tribe of mountaineers, or again in the neighbouring Tami islands.
Manifestly, in allowing or forbidding divorce, in extending or restricting what a man may dispose of by testament, in favoring or interdicting substitutions, it is chiefly in view of some political, economical or social advantage, either to refine or consolidate the union of the sexes, to implant in the family habits of discipline or sentiments of affection, to excite in children an initiatory spirit, or one of concord, to prepare for the nation a staff of natural chieftains, or an army of small proprietors, and always authorized by the universal assent.
If so, then the serpent and lion were telling me that my initiatory journey—a rebours, alas—was already over, and that soon I would see the world anew, not as it should be, but as it is.