Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Outset \Out"set`\, n.
   A setting out, starting, or beginning. ``The outset of a
   political journey.'' --Burke.

         Giving a proper direction to this outset of life. --J.
                                                  Hawes.

Source : WordNet®

outset
     n : the time at which something is supposed to begin; "they got
         an early start"; "she knew from the get-go that he was
         the man for her" [syn: {beginning}, {commencement}, {first},
          {get-go}, {start}, {kickoff}, {starting time}, {showtime},
          {offset}] [ant: {middle}, {end}]