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instance definition

in·stance (in′stəns)

noun

  1. Archaic an urgent plea; persistent solicitation
  2. an example; case; illustration
  3. a step in proceeding; occasion or case in the first instance
  4. Obsolete a motive; cause
  5. Obsolete a token or sign
  6. a detail or circumstance
  7. Law a process or proceeding in a court; suit

Etymology: ME instaunce < OFr instance < L instantia, a standing upon or near, being present < instans: see instant

transitive verb instanced -·stanced, instancing -·stanc·ing

  1. to show by means of an instance; exemplify
  2. to use as an example; cite
instance Idioms

at the instance of

at the suggestion or instigation of

for instance

as an example; by way of illustration

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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