'For instance' definitions:

Definition of 'for instance'

adverb

As an example; "take ribbon snakes, for example" [syn: for example, for instance, e.g.]

From: GCIDE

Instance \In"stance\, n. [F. instance, L. instantia, fr. instans. See Instant.] [1913 Webster]
1. The act or quality of being instant or pressing; urgency; solicitation; application; suggestion; motion. [1913 Webster]
Undertook at her instance to restore them. --Sir W. Scott. [1913 Webster]
2. That which is instant or urgent; motive. [Obs.] [1913 Webster]
The instances that second marriage move Are base respects of thrift, but none of love. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. Occasion; order of occurrence. [1913 Webster]
These seem as if, in the time of Edward I., they were drawn up into the form of a law, in the first instance. --Sir M. Hale. [1913 Webster]
4. That which offers itself or is offered as an illustrative case; something cited in proof or exemplification; a case occurring; an example; as, we could find no instance of poisoning in the town within the past year. [1913 Webster +PJC]
Most remarkable instances of suffering. --Atterbury. [1913 Webster]
5. A token; a sign; a symptom or indication. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
Causes of instance, those which proceed at the solicitation of some party. --Hallifax.
Court of first instance, the court by which a case is first tried.
For instance, by way of example or illustration; for example.
Instance Court (Law), the Court of Admiralty acting within its ordinary jurisdiction, as distinguished from its action as a prize court.
Syn: Example; case. See Example. [1913 Webster]