Part 287

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.

In"stan*cy (?), n. Instance; urgency. [Obs.]

Those heavenly precepts which our Lord and Savior with so great instancy gave.

Hooker.

In"stant (?), a. [L. instans, -antis, p. pr. of instare to stand upon, to press upon; pref. in- in, on + stare to stand: cf. F. instant. See Stand.]

1. Pressing; urgent; importunate; earnest.

Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer.

Rom. xii. 12.

I am beginning to be very instant for some sort of occupation.

Carlyle.