Definition of charter

• n. - A written evidence in due form of things done or granted, contracts made, etc., between man and man; a deed, or conveyance.
• n. - An instrument in writing, from the sovereign power of a state or country, executed in due form, bestowing rights, franchises, or privileges.
• n. - An act of a legislative body creating a municipal or other corporation and defining its powers and privileges. Also, an instrument in writing from the constituted authorities of an order or society (as the Freemasons), creating a lodge and defining its powers.
• n. - A special privilege, immunity, or exemption.
• n. - The letting or hiring a vessel by special contract, or the contract or instrument whereby a vessel is hired or let; as, a ship is offered for sale or charter. See Charter party, below.
• v. t. - To establish by charter.
• v. t. - To hire or let by charter, as a ship. See Charter party, under Charter, n.