[char.ter] n [ME chartre, fr. OF, fr. ML chartula, fr. L, dim. of charta] (13c) 1: a written instrument or contract (as a deed) executed in due form
2. a: a grant or guarantee of rights, franchises, or privileges from the sovereign power of a state or country b: a written instrument that creates and defines the franchises of a city, educational institution, or corporation c: constitution
3: a written instrument from the authorities of a society creating a lodge or branch
4: a special privilege, immunity, or exemption
5: a mercantile lease of a ship or some principal part of it
6: a charter travel arrangement
[2]charter vt (15c) 1 a: to establish, enable, or convey by charter b Brit: certify "a ~ed mechanical engineer"
2: to hire, rent, or lease for usu. exclusive and temporary use "~ed a boat for deep-sea fishing" syn see hire -- char.ter.er n [3]charter adj (1922): of, relating to, or being a travel arrangement in which transportation (as a bus or plane) is hired by and for one specific group of people "a ~ flight"