1. The act of instituting.
2. 1. A custom, practice, relationship, or behavioral pattern of importance in the life of a community or society: the institutions of marriage and the family.
   2. Informal. One long associated with a specified place, position, or function.
3. 1. An established organization or foundation, especially one dedicated to education, public service, or culture.
   2. The building or buildings housing such an organization.
   3. A place for the care of persons who are destitute, disabled, or mentally ill.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.