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) ]