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.).
Phrases and idioms:
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.
Derivatives:
charterer n.
Etymology: ME f. OF chartre f. L chartula dimin. of charta CARD(1)