n. & v.
n. 1 a a written grant of rights, by the sovereign or legislature, esp. the creation of a borough, company, university, etc. b a written constitution or description of an organization's functions etc. 2 a contract to hire an aircraft, ship, etc., for a special purpose. 3 = CHARTER-PARTY.
v.tr. 1 grant a charter to. 2 hire (an aircraft, ship, etc.). chartered accountant, engineer, librarian, surveyor , etc. Brit. a member of a professional body that has a royal charter. chartered libertine a person allowed to do as he or she pleases. charter flight a flight by a chartered aircraft. charter-member an original member of a society, corporation, etc. Great Charter = MAGNA CARTA. charterer n.
[ ME f. OF chartre f. L chartula dimin. of charta CARD(1) ]