Inception, n.
Etymology: [L. inceptio, fr. incipere to begin; pref. in- in + capere to take. See Capable.]
1. Beginning; commencement; initiation. Bacon. Marked with vivacity of inception, apathy of progress, and prematureness of decay. Rawle.
2. Reception; a taking in. [R.] Poe.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for inception; he lists it under beginning.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.