Definitions for: Instance


[n] a single item of information that is representative of a type; "this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome"; "there is a good example on page 10"
[n] an occurrence of something; "it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"
[v] clarify by giving an example of



Webster (1913) Definition: In"stance, n. [F. instance, L. instantia, fr.
instans. See Instant.]
1. The act or quality of being instant or pressing; urgency;
solicitation; application; suggestion; motion.

Undertook at her instance to restore them. --Sir W.
Scott.

2. That which is instant or urgent; motive. [Obs.]

The instances that second marriage move Are base
respects of thrift, but none of love. --Shak.

3. Occasion; order of occurrence.

These seem as if, in the time of Edward I., they
were drawn up into the form of a law, in the first
instance. --Sir M. Hale.

4. That which offers itself or is offered as an illustrative
case; something cited in proof or exemplification; a case
occurring; an example.

Most remarkable instances of suffering. --Atterbury.

5. A token; a sign; a symptom or indication. --Shak.

Causes of instance, those which proceed at the solicitation
of some party. --Hallifax.

Court of first instance, the court by which a case is first
tried.

For instance, by way of example or illustration.

Instance Court (Law), the Court of Admiralty acting within
its ordinary jurisdiction, as distinguished from its
action as a prize court.

Syn: Example; case. See Example.


In"stance, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Instanced; p. pr. &
vb. n. Instancing.]
To mention as a case or example; to refer to; to cite; as, to
instance a fact. --H. Spenser.

I shall not instance an abstruse author. --Milton.


In"stance, v. i.
To give an example. [Obs.]

This story doth not only instance in kingdoms, but in
families too. --Jer. Taylor.

Synonyms: case, example, example, exemplify, illustrate, illustration, representative

See Also: apology, bit, case in point, clip, dilate, elaborate, enlarge, exception, excuse, expand, expatiate, exposit, expound, flesh out, happening, humiliation, information, lucubrate, mortification, natural event, occurrence, piece, precedent, quintessence, sample, specimen, time

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