One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of
the whole; a sample; a specimen.

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

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

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

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.

To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to
exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.