limen (PROP., and figuratively in poetry): initium (figuratively, beginning). To cross anybody’s threshold, limen alicujus intrare or inire: the threshold of a speech, prima orationis verba, exordium, prooemium (☞ not initium in this connection): the threshold of an art or science, elementa, rudimenta, incunabula, plur. ☞ The word in its figurative sense may often be rendered by circumlocution with primus.