Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Initiation \In*i`ti*a"tion\, n. [L. initiatio: cf. F.
   initiation.]
   1. The act of initiating, or the process of being initiated
      or introduced; as, initiation into a society, into
      business, literature, etc. ``The initiation of coursers of
      events.'' --Pope.

   2. The form or ceremony by which a person is introduced into
      any society; mode of entrance into an organized body;
      especially, the rite of admission into a secret society or
      order.

            Silence is the first thing that is taught us at our
            initiation into sacred mysteries.     --Broome.

Source : WordNet®

initiation
     n 1: a formal entry into an organization or position or office;
          "his initiation into the club"; "he was ordered to
          report for induction into the army"; "he gave a speech
          as part of his installation into the hall of fame" [syn:
           {induction}, {installation}]
     2: the act of starting something for the first time;
        introducing something new; "she looked forward to her
        initiation as an adult"; "the foundation of a new
        scientific society"; "he regards the fork as a modern
        introduction" [syn: {founding}, {foundation}, {institution},
         {origination}, {creation}, {innovation}, {introduction},
        {instauration}]
     3: wisdom as evidenced by the possession of knowledge; "his
        knowledgeability impressed me"; "his dullness was due to
        lack of initiation" [syn: {knowledgeability}, {knowledgeableness}]
     4: an act that sets in motion some course of events [syn: {trigger},
         {induction}]