institute

Etymology 1

From French institut, from Middle French, from Latin īnstitūtum.

noun

1. An organization founded to promote a cause
   I work in a medical research institute.
2. An institution of learning; a college, especially for technical subjects
3. The building housing such an institution
4. (obsolete) The act of instituting; institution.
5. (obsolete) That which is instituted, established, or fixed, such as a law, habit, or custom.
   They made a sort of institute and digest of anarchy. 1837, Robert Huish, The History of the Life and Reign of William IV, the Reform Monarch of England,
6. (law, Scotland) The person to whom an estate is first given by destination or limitation.
   Substitution is the nomination of substituted heirs, who take place, failing the institute. 1681, Viscount Stair, The Institutions of the Law of Scotland

Etymology 2

From Middle English, from Latin īnstitūtus, past participle of īnstituō (“I set up, place upon, purpose, begin, institute”), from in (“in, on”) + statuō (“set up, establish”).

verb

1. (transitive) To begin or initiate (something); to found.
   He instituted the new policy of having children walk through a metal detector to enter school.
   Whenever any form 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. 1776, Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence
2. (obsolete, transitive) To train, instruct.
   If children were early instituted, knowledge would insensibly insinuate itself. a. 1684, author unknown, Gentleman's Calling
3. To nominate; to appoint.
4. (ecclesiastical, law) To invest with the spiritual charge of a benefice, or the care of souls.

adj

1. (obsolete) Established; organized; founded.