noun
or mag·na car·ta ˌmagnə ˈkär]d.ə, ˌmaig-, -kȧ], ]tə\
( plural magna chartas or magna cartas )
Usage: usually capitalized M&C
Etymology: from Magna Charta or Magna Carta, a charter of rights granted by King John of England on June 15, 1215, from Medieval Latin, literally, great charter
: a statement of principles that is embodied in a document (as an agreement or legislative act) and usually establishes procedures or guarantees rights
the original Wagner Act was the Magna Charta of labor — A.F.Whitney
these Articles of Capitulation were regarded by … the colonists as their Magna Charta — Times Literary Supplement