charter: Meaning and Definition of

char•ter

1. a document, issued by a sovereign or state, outlining the conditions under which a corporation, colony, city, or other corporate body is organized, and defining its rights and privileges.
2. (often cap.) a document defining the formal organization of a corporate body; constitution: the Charter of the United Nations.
3. authorization from a central or parent organization to establish a new branch, chapter, etc.
4. a grant by a sovereign power creating a corporation, as the royal charters granted to British colonies in America.
5. Also calleda contract by which part or all of a ship is leased for a voyage or a stated time.
6. a tour, vacation, or trip by charter arrangement: The travel agency is offering charters to Europe and the Caribbean.
7. special privilege or immunity.

1. to establish by charter: to charter a bank.
2. to lease or hire for exclusive use: The company will charter six buses for the picnic.
3. to give special favor or privilege to.

1. of or pertaining to a method of travel in which the transportation is specially leased or hired for members of a group or association: a charter flight to Europe.
2. that can be leased or hired for exclusive or private use: a charter boat for deep-sea fishing.
3. done or held in accordance with a charter: a charter school.