institution -
n. 1 the act or an instance of instituting.
2 a a society or organization founded esp. for
charitable, religious, educational, or social purposes. b a building used by an
institution.
3 an established law, practice, or custom.
4 colloq. (of a
person, a custom, etc.) a familiar object.
5 the establishment of a cleric etc. in a church.
[ME f. OF f. L institutio -onis (as INSTITUTE)] 
