\Con`sti*tu"tion\, n. [F. constitution, L.
constitute.]
1. The act or process of constituting; the action of
   enacting, establishing, or appointing; enactment;
   establishment; formation.
2. The state of being; that form of being, or structure and
   connection of parts, which constitutes and characterizes a
   system or body; natural condition; structure; texture;
   conformation.
         The physical constitution of the sun. --Sir J.
                                               Herschel.
3. The aggregate of all one's inherited physical qualities;
   the aggregate of the vital powers of an individual, with
   reference to ability to endure hardship, resist disease,
   etc.; as, a robust constitution.
         Our constitutions have never been enfeebled by the
         vices or luxuries of the old world.   --Story.
4. The aggregate of mental qualities; temperament.
         He defended himself with . . . less passion than was
         expected from his constitution.       --Clarendon.
5. The fundamental, organic law or principles of government
   of men, embodied in written documents, or implied in the
   institutions and usages of the country or society; also, a
   written instrument embodying such organic law, and laying
   down fundamental rules and principles for the conduct of
   affairs.
         Our constitution had begun to exist in times when
         statesmen were not much accustomed to frame exact
         definitions.                          --Macaulay.
Note: In England the constitution is unwritten, and may be
      modified from time to time by act of Parliament. In the
      United States a constitution cannot ordinarily be
      modified, exept through such processes as the
      constitution itself ordains.
6. An authoritative ordinance, regulation or enactment;
   especially, one made by a Roman emperor, or one affecting
   ecclesiastical doctrine or discipline; as, the
   constitutions of Justinian.
         The positive constitutions of our own churches.
                                               --Hooker.
         A constitution of Valentinian addressed to Olybrius,
         then prefect of Rome, for the regulation of the
         conduct of advocates.                 --George Long.
{Apostolic constitutions}. See under {Apostolic}.