ˌinztəˈtüshən, ˌin(t)stəˈ-, -tə.ˈtyü-, in rapid speech inzˈt(y)ü- or in(t)sˈt(y)ü-, chiefly in substand speech ˌin(t)səˈ- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English institucioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French institution, from Old French, from Latin institution-, institutio arrangement, custom, instruction, element of instruction, appointment of an heir, from institutus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : an act or the process of instituting: as
a.
[Middle English institucioun, from Medieval Latin institution-, institutio, from Latin]
: the investing of a clergyman with the spiritual part of a benefice by which the care of souls is committed to his charge followed in the Church of England by induction
b.
(1) : the appointment of an heir
(2) : the appointment of an institute (sense 4a)
c. : establishment , foundation , enactment
the institution of this custom dates back to the 15th century
d. obsolete : reduction to order or form : regulation , ordering
e. obsolete : instruction , education
f. : the establishment of a sacrament ; usually : the designation, authorization, or ordination by Christ of various signs or ceremonies as sacraments
the words of institution form part of the eucharistic rite
2. : something that serves to instruct (as a textbook or a system of rules or principles) — now usually restricted to law; compare institute 3a
3. : something that is instituted: as
a.
(1) : a significant and persistent element (as a practice, a relationship, an organization) in the life of a culture that centers on a fundamental human need, activity, or value, occupies an enduring and cardinal position within a society, and is usually maintained and stabilized through social regulatory agencies
institution of marriage
the family is a fundamental social institution
(2) : a custom that is usually widely sanctioned or tolerated and that in some degree contributes to group welfare
the old New England institution of bundling
the coffee break has become an institution in many places
(3) : something or someone well established in some customary relationship : fixture
the old man was an institution along the waterfront
father's Sunday breakfast in bed was a family institution
b. : an established society or corporation : an establishment or foundation especially of a public character
a literary institution
the Smithsonian Institution
institutions of higher learning
c. : a building or the buildings occupied or used by such organization