n.1 the act or an instance of instituting.
2 a a society or organization founded esp. for charitable, religious, educational, or social purposes. b a building used by an institution.
3 an established law, practice, or custom.
4 colloq. (of a person, a custom, etc.) a familiar object.
5 the establishment of a cleric etc. in a church.
Etymology: ME f. OF f. L institutio -onis (as INSTITUTE)