INSTRUCT', verb transitive [Latin instruo, instructum; in and struo, to set or to put on, to furnish. The Latin struo is contracted from struco or strugo. See Destroy.]

1. To teach; to inform the mind; to educate; to impart knowledge to one who was destitute of it. The first duty of parents is to instruct their children in the principles of religion and morality.

2. To direct; to enjoin; to persuade or admonish.

She being before instructed by her mother, said, give me here the head of John the Baptist in a charger. Matthew 14:8.

3. To direct or command; to furnish with orders. The president instructed his envoy to insist on the restitution of the property.

4. To inform; to advise or give notice to. On this question the court is not instructed.

5. To model; to form; to prepare. [Not used.]