institution

noun

1. 1

   the act of starting something for the first time; introducing something new

   she looked forward to her initiation as an adult

   the foundation of a new scientific society

2. 2

   an establishment consisting of a building or complex of buildings where an organization for the promotion of some cause is situated

3. 3

   a hospital for mentally incompetent or unbalanced person

4. 4

   a custom that for a long time has been an important feature of some group or society

   the institution of marriage

   the institution of slavery

5. 5

   an organization founded and united for a specific purpose