transitive. To start (anything) on its career, to give origin to, bring into existence, create; to be the first to do or practise. Of works…

figurative (in various shades of meaning, in reference to initiation, spiritual agency, etc.) Cf. baptism, n. 2.

Phrase. a broach, on broach: with a perforation or tap; esp. to set a (on) broach: to tap and set running; also figurative. (Now written abroach, v.)…

transitive. Originally Scottish. To set in action, initiate (a proceeding or enterprise); to cause to begin or commence; spec. †to declare (war) (obs…

To set on foot, set going, give currency or publicity to.

To make the first cut in. Hence figurative. To open (a discussion, conversation, etc.). Cf. French entamer.

To launch, float (literal and figurative).

transitive. To begin, commence, enter upon; to introduce, set going, give rise to, originate, ‘start’ (a course of action, practice, etc.).

transitive. To be the initiator of (a task). Cf. second, v.1 1a. Obsolete.

transitive. To cause to begin; to originate, initiate, set in motion.

In a large number of phraseological expressions (often equivalent to a single verb), in which set acquires the sense of: To cause to be or become…

transitive. To open up, reveal, make known. Cf. unclasp, v. 2. Obsolete. rare.

transitive. To begin, commence, initiate, take the first steps in.

To inflame with pride or passion; to animate, encourage; also with up; rarely, †to initiate in. Cf. flesh, v. 2c, which has influenced the sense.

To set on foot, instigate, promote. Obsolete.

transitive. = principiate, v.

transitive. In passive with in. To be initiated into; to be taught the rudiments of.

To begin, commence, start; to inaugurate.

transitive (in passive). To cause to be concealed, combined, or formed within another substance. Cf. earlier embryonated, adj. 1. Obsolete.

To start, set afoot (a friendship, an acquaintance, a conversation, trade, etc. with another).

transitive. To promulgate, circulate; to initiate, establish.

transitive. To set in operation, set on foot, initiate, ‘start’ (a search, inquiry, comparison, etc.).

To get (a company, scheme, etc.) afloat or fully started (see afloat, adv. 6); to procure public support or acceptance for.

transitive. figurative. To fire, to inspire; to kindle, to set in motion; to spark off, to be the immediate cause of (something hard to control)…