One form of an appointment to a benefice or dignity. Institution was the act by which a bishop or other ordinary committed a living to the care of a clergyman. It followed after a presentation, the cleric’s subscription, and the receipt of letters testimonial, and was followed by induction or installation. It was the only one of these events normally recorded in the episcopal register or act book, and as such can be regarded as furnishing the date from which an appointment commenced.