Charter
/ˈtʃɑː.tər/noun
A written grant or document that outlines rights or privileges.
Did you know?In medieval times, charters were often sealed with the blood of the signers, believed to bind their souls to the agreement.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ker-
“to cut or separate, reflecting the act of delineating boundaries.”
Latin
Latin
carta
“a written document or paper, derived from the Greek word for papyrus.”
Old French
Old French
charte
“a formal document granting certain rights or privileges, often used in legal contexts.”
Middle English
Middle English
chartere
“a document of rights or privileges granted by a sovereign authority.”
Modern English
English
charter
“an official document outlining rights, privileges, or agreements.”