ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: out (III) + set (after set out, v.)
1. Scotland : an enclosure of land newly placed under cultivation
2.
a. : a setting out (as on a journey, career, course of action, or discussion) : beginning , start
one must be clear, from the outset , how limited are the author's aims — S.E.Toulmin
at the outset of what might have been a great career — E.F.Edgett
b. : an initial stage of activity or development
the outset of any investigation must be occupied by asking obvious questions — Edith C. Rivett
3. : an outgoing tidal current
4. : outsert