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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

2 entries under this word

Instruct

In-strŭct', v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. INSTRUCTED; p. pr. & vb. n. INSTRUCTING.] [Lat. instruere, instructum, from prefix in and struere, to pile up, to set in order; Fr. & It. instruire, Sp. instruir.]

  1. To put in order; to form; to prepare. [Obs.]
  2. To put in order or readiness for a specific action or end; to furnish with requisite outfit or preparation; to make ready; as, specifically, (a.) To form by communication of knowledge; to inform the mind of; to impart information to; to enlighten; to teach.

She, being before instructed of her mother, said, Give me here John Baptist’s head in a charger. Matt. xiv. 8. Schoolmasters will I keep within my house, Fit to instruct her youth. Shak. (b.) To furnish with directions; to direct; to command. Take her in; instruct her what she has to do. Shak. Syn.—To teach; educate; inform; indoctrinate; direct; enjoin; order; command.

In-strūct', a.

adjective

a. [Obs.] 1. Furnished; provided. [Obs.] “Ship instruct with oars.” Chapman. 2. Instructed; taught; enlightened. The more instruct To fly or follow what concerned him most. Milton.