usu. in names
1
- a society or organization having a particular object or common factor, especially a scientific, educational, or social one（尤指科学、教育或社会性的）学会, 协会, 机构：
the Institute of Architects
建筑师协会
a research institute.
研究所。
2
- （一般作institutes）archaic a commentary, treatise, or summary of principles, especially concerning law〈古〉（尤指与法律相关的）注释; 论述; 概要。
with obj.
1
- set in motion or establish (something, especially a programme, system, or inquiry)实行, 建立, 设立（某物, 尤指计划, 制度, 调查）：
the state instituted a national lottery
国家发行了一种全国性彩票
the award was instituted in 1900.
这一奖项设立于1900年。
1.1
- begin (legal proceedings) in a court（在法庭）开始（法律诉讼）。
2
- （常作be instituted）appoint (someone) to a position, especially as a cleric任命, 授予…职位（尤指圣职）：
his sons were instituted to the priesthood
他的儿子们被任命为教士
with complement a testator who has instituted his daughter heir.指定其女为继承人的遗嘱设立人。
词源
Middle English (in sense 2 of the verb)： from Latin institut- 'established', from the verb instituere, from in- 'in, towards' + statuere 'set up'. The noun is from Latin institutum 'something designed, precept', neuter past participle of instituere; sense 1 dates from the early 19th cent.