■ noun
1》 a written grant by a sovereign or legislature, by which a body such as a university is created or its rights and privileges defined.
2》 a written constitution or description of an organization's functions.
3》 (in the UK) a written statement of the rights of a specified group of people: the patient's ~.
4》 the hiring of an aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle.
■ verb
1》 [usu. as adjective ~ed ] grant a ~ to (a city, university, etc.).
2》 hire (an aircraft, ship, or motor vehicle).
Derivatives
~er noun
Origin
ME: from OFr. chartre , from L. chartula , dimin. of charta (see card 1 ).