rhizoverbBeta
DictionarycharterOfficial authorization
noun / verb / adjective

charter

CHAR-ter/ˈtʃɑːrtər/

A formal document establishing rights or an organization's authority.

The ruler grants a sealed charter to the town's representatives.

A medieval ruler formally grants a town charter to civic representatives: the large sealed parchment is the central object, with a ceremonial town key and a small view of the town gate reinforcing the grant of municipal powers.
Etymology
charterLatinlittle paper

Latin chartula meant “little paper.” The connection is to a written document that bestows rights or privileges and serves as legal evidence of them.

In context

City of Santa Rosa, California174:54
the charter is a is sort of the constitution of the city.
City of Santa Rosa Council Meeting February 13, 2024

More examples

  • The university was chartered many years ago.
  • Its charter defined the organization's powers.
  • They were chartering a new association.

Forms

charter · charters · chartered · chartering

Similar words

license
A license grants permission without necessarily establishing an organization.
constitution
A constitution establishes fundamental rules; a charter often grants powers or rights.