(a.) Hence: An elementary and necessary principle; a precept, maxim, or rule, recognized as established and authoritative; usually in the plural, a collection of such principles and precepts; esp., a comprehensive summary of legal principles and decisions; as, the Institutes of Justinian; Coke's Institutes of the Laws of England. Cf. Digest, n.
(a.) That which is instituted, established, or fixed, as a law, habit, or custom.
(a.) The act of instituting; institution.
(n.) An institution; a society established for the promotion of learning, art, science, etc.; a college; as, the Institute of Technology; also, a building owned or occupied by such an institute; as, the Cooper Institute.
(n.) The person to whom an estate is first given by destination or limitation.
(p. a.) Established; organized; founded.
(v. t.) To begin; to commence; to set on foot; as, to institute an inquiry; to institute a suit.
(v. t.) To ground or establish in principles and rudiments; to educate; to instruct.
(v. t.) To invest with the spiritual charge of a benefice, or the care of souls.
(v. t.) To nominate; to appoint.
(v. t.) To originate and establish; to found; to organize; as, to institute a court, or a society.
(v. t.) To set up; to establish; to ordain; as, to institute laws, rules, etc.