Commencement; opening; initiation. The beginning of the operation of a contract or will, or of a note, mortgage, lien, etc.; the beginning of a cause or suit in court. Incerta pro nullis babentur. Uncertain things are held for nothing. Dav. Ir. K. B. 33. Incerta quantitas vitiat actum. 1 Rolle R. 465. An uncertain quantity vitiates the act.