One of several regular payments that together make up the total cost of something. It can also mean one part of a series, like a chapter or episode.
From 'install' + '-ment'; originally meant ‘the act of installing’ someone in office. The payment and series senses developed later, from the idea of putting something in place piece by piece.
An installment plan is basically time-slicing a big price into smaller, more bearable chunks. Stories use the same trick: releasing in installments keeps you paying attention the way stores keep you paying money.
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