Inaugurate, a.
Etymology: [L. inauguratus, p. p. of inaugurare to take omens from the flight of birds (before entering upon any important undertaking); hence, to consecrate, inaugurate, or install, with such divination; pref. in- in + augurare, augurari, to augur. See Augur.]
Invested with office; inaugurated. Drayton.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Inaugurate, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Inaugurated; p. pr. & vb. n. Inaugurating.]
1. To introduce or induct into an office with suitable ceremonies or solemnities; to invest with power or authority in a formal manner; to install; as, to inaugurate a president; to inaugurate a king. Milton.
2. To cause to begin, esp. with formality or solemn ceremony; hence, to set in motion, action, or progress; to initiate; -- used especially of something of dignity or worth or public concern; as, to inaugurate a new era of things, new methods, etc. As if kings did closes remarkable days to inaugurate their favors. Sir H. Wotton.
3. To celebrate the completion of, or the first public use of; to dedicate, as a statue. [Colloq.]
4. To begin with good omens. [Obs.] Sir H. Wotton.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists inaugurate only as an antonym, under cease.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.