in·i·tial 
(ĭ-nĭshəl)
(ĭ-nĭshəl)adj.
1. Of, relating to, or occurring at the beginning; first: took the initial step toward peace.
2. Designating the first letter or letters of a word.
n.
1.
a. The first letter of a proper name.
b. initials The first letter of each word of a person's full name considered as a unit: stationery monogrammed with her initials.
2. The first letter of a word.
3. A large, often highly decorated letter set at the beginning of a chapter, verse, or paragraph.
tr.v. in·i·tialed, in·i·tial·ing, in·i·tials also in·i·tialled or in·i·tial·ling
To mark or sign with initials, especially for purposes of authorization or approval.
[Latin initiālis, from initium, beginning; see ei- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]
in·itial·ly adv.
initialdetail of an illuminated manuscript