Charter

n. [O. Eng. cartre, O. Fr. cartre, chartre, N. Fr. chartre, f., from Lat. chartarius, pertaining to paper, from charta. See CHART.]

1. (O. Eng. Law.) A written evidence in due form of things done between man and man; a deed, or conveyance.
2. An instrument in writing, from the king or other sovereign power, or from the legislature, executed with form and solemnity, bestowing rights and privileges; an act of incorporation.

The king, 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. 3. A special privilege or immunity. My mother, Who has a charter to extol her blood, When she does praise me, grieves me. Shak. 4. (Naut.) The letting or hiring a vessel by special contract; as, a ship is offered for sale or charter.