début

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. Beginning; first attempt or appearance; first step: used specifically of a first appearance in society, or before the public, as that of an actor or an actress on the stage.
2. n. In chess, same as opening, 9.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. A beginning or first attempt; hence, a first appearance before the public, as of an actor or public speaker.

WordNet 3.0

1. v. make one's debut
2. v. appear for the first time in public
3. v. present for the first time to the public
4. n. the presentation of a debutante in society
5. n. the act of beginning something new