CHARTER, noun

1. A written instrument, executed with usual forms, given as evidence of a grant, contract, or whatever is done between man and man. In its more usual sense, it is the instrument of a grant conferring powers, rights and privileges, either from a king or other wovereign power, or from a private person, as a charter of exemption, that no person shall be empannelled on a jury, a charter of pardon, etc. The charters under which most of the colonies in America were settled, were given by the king of England, and incorporated certain persons, with powers to hold the lands granted, to establish a government, and make laws for their own regulation. These were called charter-governments.

2. Any instrument, executed with form and solemnity, bestowing rights or privileges.

3. Privilege; immunity; exemption.

My mother, Who has a charter to extol her blood, When she does praise me, grieves me.

CHARTER, verb transitive

1. To hire or to let a ship by charter [See Charter-party.]

2. To establish by charter