vi a tail, or anything projecting like a tail.
2. start ·vi the arm, or level, of a gin, drawn around by a horse.
3. start ·vi the handle, or tail, of a plow; also, any long handle.
4. start ·noun a convulsive motion, twitch, or spasm; a spasmodic effort.
5. start ·vi to leap; to jump.
6. start ·vi the curved or inclined front and bottom of a water-wheel bucket.
7. start ·noun a sudden, unexpected movement; a sudden and capricious impulse; a sally; as, starts of fancy.
8. start ·vi to become somewhat displaced or loosened; as, a rivet or a seam may start under strain or pressure.
9. start ·vt to bring onto being or into view; to originate; to invent.
10. start ·vt to pour out; to empty; to tap and begin drawing from; as, to start a water cask.
11. start ·vi to set out; to commence a course, as a race or journey; to begin; as, to start business.
12. start ·vi to move suddenly, as with a spring or leap, from surprise, pain, or other sudden feeling or emotion, or by a voluntary act.
13. start ·noun the beginning, as of a journey or a course of action; first motion from a place; act of setting out; the outset;
opposed to finish.
14. start ·noun the act of starting; a sudden spring, leap, or motion, caused by surprise, fear, pain, or the like; any sudden motion, or beginning of motion.
15. start ·vt to move suddenly from its place or position; to displace or loosen; to dislocate; as, to start a bone; the storm started the bolts in the vessel.
xvi. start ·vt to cause to move or act; to set going, running, or flowing; as, to start a railway train; to start a mill; to start a stream of water; to start a rumor; to start a business.
xvii. start ·vt to cause to move suddenly; to disturb suddenly; to startle; to alarm; to rouse; to cause to flee or fly; as, the hounds started a fox.