Threshold (?), n. [OE. threswold, þreshwold, AS. þrescwald, þerscwald, þerscold, þrescold, fr. þrescan, þerscan, to thresh; akin to Icel. þreskjöde, þröskuldr, Sw. tröskel, Dan. tærskel. See Thrash.] 1. The plank, stone, or piece of timber, which lies under a door, especially of a dwelling house, church, temple, or the like; the doorsill; hence, entrance; gate; door.[1913 Webster]
2. Fig.: The place or point of entering or beginning, entrance; outset; as, the threshold of life.[1913 Webster][1913 Webster]