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.
[ ME f. OF f. L institutio -onis (as INSTITUTE) ]