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.]
Source: Webster's 1828 American Dictionary ↗ · public-domain · returned verbatim, no AI