ˈɪnstɪtju:t n. & v. --n. 1 a a
society or
organization for the promotion of
science,
education, etc. b a
building used by an institute. 2
Law (usu. in pl.) a
digest of the elements of a
legal subject (Institutes of Justinian). 3 a
principle of
instruction. 4 US a
brief course of instruction for teachers etc. --v.tr. 1
establish; found. 2 a
initiate (an
inquiry etc.). b
begin (proceedings) in a
court. 3 (usu. foll. by
to, into)
appoint (a person) as a
cleric in a
church etc. [ME f. L institutum
design,
precept, neut.
past part. of instituere establish,
arrange,
teach (as
IN-(2), statuere set up)]