I. ˈinztəˌtüt, ˈin(t)stə-, -ə.ˌtyüt, in rapid speech ˈinzˌt(y)üt or ˈin(t)ˌst(y)-; usu -üd.+V transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English instituten, from Latin institutus, past participle of instituere, from in- in- (II) + -stituere (from statuere to stand up, set, place) — more at statute
1. : to establish in a particular position or office: as
a. : to invest with spiritual charge of a benefice : put (as a pastor) in charge of the care of souls
b. : to appoint as heir under Roman or civil law
2.
a. : to originate and get established : set up : cause to come into existence : organize
the man that instituted these reforms in lexicography
b. : to set on foot : inaugurate , initiate
instituting an investigation of the charges
3.
a. obsolete : to ordain or enjoin to be or to be done
b. archaic : to ground or establish in principles or rudiments : instruct , educate
Synonyms: see found
II. noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin institutum, from neuter of institutus (past participle)
1. obsolete : design , plan , purpose
2. obsolete : an act of instituting
3.
[Middle French & Latin; Middle French institut, from Latin institutum ]
: something that is instituted: as
a.
(1) : an elementary principle : a precept or rule recognized as authoritative
(2) institutes plural : a collection of such principles and precepts ; especially : a comprehensive summary of legal principles and decisions — compare digest
b.
(1) : an organization for the promotion of some estimable or learned cause or the welfare of some group
an institute for the blind
an institute for psychical research
(2) : an association of persons or organizations that collectively constitute a technical or professional authority in a field of work or study
Horological Institute of America
an institute of architects
(3) chiefly Britain : a school or academy especially for part-time education of workers
teaching in the village institute
(4) : an institution for advanced education especially in science or technology
spent two years at the textile institute
(5) : a brief course of instruction or seminars (as for teachers or poultrymen) on business or professional problems
c. : a building or group of buildings occupied by an institute
4.
[Latin institutus (past participle)]
a. Scots law : the person to whom an estate is first given by destination or testament — compare substitute
b. civil law : an heir appointed by will under a duty to transfer the property to a person designated in the will