The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Inchoate \In"cho*ate\, a. [L. inchoatus, better incohatus, p. p.
   of incohare to begin.]
   Recently, or just, begun; beginning; partially but not fully
   in existence or operation; existing in its elements;
   incomplete. -- In"cho*ate*ly, adv.
   [1913 Webster]

         Neither a substance perfect, nor a substance inchoate.
                                                  --Raleigh.
   [1913 Webster]