v. Obs. For forms see BE-GIN. [for earlier an-ginnan, on-ginnan, also found in same sense: see ONGIN, and A- pref. 2. Afterwards aphetized to GIN of which the pa. t. gan became a frequent auxiliary.] To begin.
c. 1000. O. E. Gosp., Mark vi. 7. & agan hí sendan twám & twám.
c. 1160. Hatton Gosp., ibid. & angan hyo sænden twam & twam.
1205. Layam., 18761. Oðere weies þu most agunnen [1250 agynne]; ȝef þu hire wult awinnen.
c. 1230. Ancren Riwle, 74. Ne aginne hit neuer so wel.
c. 1302. Pol. Songs, 189. The Flemmysshe … Agynneth to clynken huere basyns of bras.
1340. Ayenb., 197. Huo þet wile riȝtuolliche do elmesse, he ssel beuore aginne at himzelue.
