EXAM'PLE, n. egzam'pl. [L. e xemplum.]

1. A pattern; a copy; a model; that which is proposed to be imitated. This word, when applied to material things, is now generally written sample; as, a sample of cloth; but example is sometimes used. Ralegh.
2. A pattern, in morals or manners; a copy, or model; that which is proposed or is proper to be imitated. I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. John xiii. Example is our preceptor before we can reason. Kollock.
3. Precedent; a former instance. Buonaparte furnished many examples of successful bravery.
4. Precedent or former instance, in a bad sense, intended for caution. Lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. Heb. iv. Sodom and Gomorrah – are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire. Jude 7.
5. A person fit to be proposed for a pattern; one whose conduct is worthy of imitation. Be thou an example of the believers. 1 Tim. iv.
6. Precedent which disposes to imitation. Example has more effect than precept.
7. Instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept; or a particular case or proposition illustrating a general rule, position or truth. The principles of trigonometry and the rules of grammar are illustrated by examples.
8. In logic, or rhetoric, the conclusion of one singular point from another; an induction of what may happen from what has happened. If civil war has produced calamities of a particular kind in one instance, it is inferred that it will produce like consequences in other cases. This is an example. Bailey. Encyc.

To exemplify; to set an example. [Not used.] Shak.

1. One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
2. To set an example for] to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
   
   
   [Obs.] "I may example my digression by some mighty precedent." Shak.

   Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed. J. Morley.

3. That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.
   
   

   For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John xiii. 15.

   I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way. Milton.

4. That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
   
   

   Such temperate order in so fierce a cause
   Doth want example. Shak.

5. That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
   
   

   Hang him; he'll be made an example. Shak.

   Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1 Cor. x. 6.

6. An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
   
   

   Syn. -- Precedent; case; instance. -- Example, Instance. The discrimination to be made between these two words relates to cases in which we give "instances" or "examples" of things done. An instance denotes the single case then "standing" before us; if there be others like it, the word does not express this fact. On the contrary, an example is one of an entire class of like things, and should be a true representative or sample of that class. Hence, an example proves a rule or regular course of things; an instance simply points out what may be true only in the case presented. A man's life may be filled up with examples of the self-command and kindness which marked his character, and may present only a solitary instance of haste or severity. Hence, the word "example" should never be used to describe what stands singly and alone. We do, however, sometimes apply the word instance to what is really an example, because we are not thinking of the latter under this aspect, but solely as a case which "stands before us." See Precedent.