1. noun /ˈɪnstəns/
I know one very well alied, to whom, at the instance of a brother of his [...], I spake to that purpose [...].
sometimes we love those that are absent, saith Philostratus, and gives instance in his friend Athenodorus, that loved a maid at Corinth whom he never saw [...].
2. verb /ˈɪnstəns/
Wikipedia foundation.