/in"steuhns/ , n. , v. , instanced, instancing .
n.
1. a case or occurrence of anything: fresh instances of oppression.
2. an example put forth in proof or illustration: to cite a few instances.
3. Law. the institution and prosecution of a case.
4. Archaic. urgency in speech or action.
5. Obs. an impelling motive.
6. at the instance of , at the urging or suggestion of: He applied for the assistantship at the instance of his professor.
7. for instance , as an example; for example: If you were to go to Italy, for instance, you would get a different perspective on our culture.
v.t.
8. to cite as an instance or example.
9. to exemplify by an instance.
v.i.
10. to cite an instance.
[ 1300-50; ME instantia presence, urgency (ML: case, example). See INSTANT, -ANCE ]
Syn. 2. See case 1 .