In″sti‐tute (ĭn″stĭ‐tūt), v. t. [imp. & p. p.Instituted (–tū′tĕd); p. pr. & vb. n.Instituting.]
1. To set up; to establish; to ordain; as, to institute laws, rules, etc.
2. To originate and establish; to found; to organize; as, to institute a court, or a society.
Whenever any from of government becomes destructive of these ends it is the right of the people to alter or to abolish it, and to institute a new government. Jefferson (Decl. of Indep.).
3. To nominate; to appoint.
We institute your Grace
To be our regent in these parts of France. Shak.
4. To begin; to commence; to set on foot; as, to institute an inquiry; to institute a suit.
And haply institute
A course of learning and ingenious studies. Shak.
5. To ground or establish in principles and rudiments; to educate; to instruct.
If children were early instituted, knowledge would insensibly insinuate itself. Dr. H. More.
6. (Eccl. Law) To invest with the spiritual charge of a benefice, or the care of souls. Blackstone.
Syn. — To originate; begin; commence; establish; found; erect; organize; appoint; ordain.