In"stance , v. i. To give an example. [Obs.]
This story doth not only
instance in kingdoms,
but in families too.
Jer. Taylor.
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 (?), 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.
Hear it pronounced