charter Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun a document incorporating an institution and specifying its rights; includes the articles of incorporation and the certificate of incorporation
noun a contract to hire or lease transportation
verb hold under a lease or rental agreement; of goods and services
hire; rent; lease.
verb grant a charter to
verb engage for service under a term of contract
hire; engage; take; lease; rent.
- We took an apartment on a quiet street
- Let's rent a car
- Shall we take a guide in Rome?

OF. chartre, F. chartre, charte, fr. L. chartula a little paper, dim. of charta. See Chart, Card.

A written evidence in due form of things done or granted, contracts made, etc., between man and man; a deed, or conveyance. Archaic
An instrument in writing, from the sovereign power of a state or country, executed in due form, bestowing rights, franchises, or privileges.
The king [John, a.d. 1215], with a facility somewhat suspicious, signed and sealed the charter which was required of him. This famous deed, commonly called the "Great Charter," either granted or secured very important liberties and privileges to every order of men in the kingdom. Hume.
An act of a legislative body creating a municipal or other corporation and defining its powers and privileges. Also, an instrument in writing from the constituted authorities of an order or society (as the Freemasons), creating a lodge and defining its powers.
A special privilege, immunity, or exemption.
My mother, Who has a charter to extol her blood, When she does praise me, grieves me. Shak.
(Com.) The letting or hiring a vessel by special contract, or the contract or instrument whereby a vessel is hired or let; as, a ship is offered for sale or charter. See Charter party, below.

imperfect & past participle Chartered ; present participle & verbal noun Chartering