start v. i. [imp. & p. p. started; p. pr. & vb. n. starting.]
1. To leap; to jump. [Obs.]
2. To move suddenly, as with a spring or leap, from surprise, pain, or other sudden feeling or emotion, or by a voluntary act.
And maketh him out of his sleep to start. --Chaucer.
I start as from some dreadful dream. --Dryden.
Keep your soul to the work when ready to start aside. --I. Watts.
But if he start,
It is the flesh of a corrupted heart. --Shak.
3. To set out; to commence a course, as a race or journey; to begin; as, to start in business.
At once they start, advancing in a line. --Dryden.
At intervals some bird from out the brakes
Starts into voice a moment, then is still. --Byron.
4. To become somewhat displaced or loosened; as, a rivet or a seam may start under strain or pressure.
To start after, to set out after; to follow; to pursue.
To start against, to act as a rival candidate against.
To start for, to be a candidate for, as an office.
To start up, to rise suddenly, as from a seat or couch; to come suddenly into notice or importance.
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