charter
UK: ˈtʃɑːtə | US: ˈtʃɑːrtər
n. a formal written document granting rights, privileges, or authority (e.g., a city charter).
n. the hiring of a vehicle, vessel, or aircraft for exclusive use.
vt. to grant or hire under the terms of a charter.
charter = chart<paper/document> + er<noun suffix>
- chart (from Latin charta "paper, document," via Greek khartēs "papyrus sheet")
- er (agentive suffix in English, often indicating "one who does/has X")
Etymology Origin:
The word charter traces back to Latin chartula, a diminutive of charta (paper/document). It entered Old French as chartre, referring to legal documents like royal decrees. The -er suffix later solidified its noun form in Middle English, emphasizing the document itself or the act of formal authorization. The modern sense of "hiring" (e.g., chartering a plane) evolved metaphorically from the idea of securing exclusive rights via a contract.
The king granted a charter to establish the new university.
They chartered a yacht for their Mediterranean vacation.
The city’s charter outlines its governance structure.
The company holds a royal charter dating back to 1670.
We need to charter a bus for the school trip.