| 释义 |
in·sti·tu·tion
\ˌinztəˈtüshən, ˌin(t)stəˈ-, -tə.ˈtyü-, in rapid speech inzˈt(y)ü- or in(t)sˈt(y)ü-, chiefly in substand speech ˌin(t)səˈ-\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English institucioun, from Middle French & Latin; Middle French institution, from Old French, from Latin institution-, institutio arrangement, custom, instruction, element of instruction, appointment of an heir, from institutus (past participle) + -ion-, -io -ion
1. : an act or the process of instituting: as
a. [Middle English institucioun, from Medieval Latin institution-, institutio, from Latin] : the investing of a clergyman with the spiritual part of a benefice by which the care of souls is committed to his charge followed in the Church of England by induction
b.
(1) : the appointment of an heir
(2) : the appointment of an institute (sense 4a)
c. : establishment, foundation, enactment
< the institution of this custom dates back to the 15th century >
d. obsolete : reduction to order or form : regulation, ordering
e. obsolete : instruction, education
f. : the establishment of a sacrament; usually : the designation, authorization, or ordination by Christ of various signs or ceremonies as sacraments
< the words of institution form part of the eucharistic rite >
2. : something that serves to instruct (as a textbook or a system of rules or principles) — now usually restricted to law; compare institute 3a
3. : something that is instituted: as
a.
(1) : a significant and persistent element (as a practice, a relationship, an organization) in the life of a culture that centers on a fundamental human need, activity, or value, occupies an enduring and cardinal position within a society, and is usually maintained and stabilized through social regulatory agencies
< institution of marriage >
< the family is a fundamental social institution >
(2) : a custom that is usually widely sanctioned or tolerated and that in some degree contributes to group welfare
< the old New England institution of bundling >
< the coffee break has become an institution in many places >
(3) : something or someone well established in some customary relationship : fixture
< the old man was an institution along the waterfront >
< father's Sunday breakfast in bed was a family institution >
b. : an established society or corporation : an establishment or foundation especially of a public character
< a literary institution >
< the Smithsonian Institution >
< institutions of higher learning >
c. : a building or the buildings occupied or used by such organization |