[char.i.ty] n, pl -ties [ME charite, fr. OF charite, fr. LL caritat-, caritas Christian love, fr. L, dearness, fr. carus dear; akin to OIr carae friend, Skt kama love] (13c) 1: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
2. a: generosity and helpfulness esp. toward the needy or suffering; also: aid given to those in need b: an institution engaged in relief of the poor c: public provision for the relief of the needy 3 a: a gift for public benevolent purposes b: an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift
4: lenient judgment of others syn see mercy