Origin of the word
The word charter entered the English language between 1150 and 1420, taking a hop, skip, and a jump via the Old French ‘chartre’, before coming to a stop at the Latin ‘charta’, or ‘paper’, and ‘chartula’, which translates as ‘little paper’. Derivatives of the word include ‘charterable’, which refers to a craft or fleet that’s capable of being chartered; ‘charterage’, which is the act of chartering a vehicle; and ‘recharter’, which simply means to charter again, or grant additional charters.
Examples
‘The legislation makes clear that “the charter of fundamental rights is not part of domestic law on or after exit day”. Government lawyers believe that will make little difference in practice, as the charter sets out rights that are already enshrined elsewhere in EU law and will brought into domestic law.’ – The Guardian online, Friday 14th July: ‘Brexit bill to cause constitutional clash with Scotland and Wales.’
‘The Charter of the United Nations expresses the noblest aspirations of man: abjuration of force in the settlement of disputes between states; the assurance of human rights and fundamental freedoms for all without distinction as to race, sex, language or religion; the safeguarding of international peace and security.’ – Haile Selassie.
‘With his hand firmly in his pocket, the little boy seemed reluctant to leave the cosy private charter plane, halting at the door before listening carefully to a few words from the Duke.’ – The Telegraph online, Monday 17th July: ‘Prince George takes some gentle coaxing from his father as royals arrive in Poland for “Brexit diplomacy” tour.’
Definition
1. A document describing an organization’s functions or aims
2. A legislation created by sovereign or state granting the birth of an organization, academic body, or settlement, and outlining its rights and privileges
3. A document declaring the rights of a particular group of people
4. An official document or statement that sets out the rules for a particular activity or piece of legislation
5. The act of renting an aircraft, boat, or motor vehicle for the purpose of travel or enjoyment
6. The name given to the particular vehicle that has been borrowed for such a purpose
View the full definition in the Macmillan Dictionary.
