CHARITY

noun (plural -ties) Etymology: Middle English charite, from Anglo-French charité, from Late Latin caritat-, caritas Christian love, from Latin, dearness, from carus dear; akin to Old Irish carae friend, Sanskrit kāma love Date: 13th century benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity, 2. generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering, an institution engaged in relief of the poor, public provision for the relief of the needy, 3. a gift for public benevolent purposes, an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift, lenient judgment of others, see: mercy