noun
A formal, literary term for the very first beginning or origin of something, often used in historical or philosophical contexts. The word is rare in modern conversation.
この川の濫觴は、山奥の小さな泉だと言われている。
The source of this river is said to be a small spring deep in the mountains.
茶道の濫觴は、鎌倉時代にまで遡る。
The origin of the tea ceremony dates back to the Kamakura period.