charter

Universal Words noun, verb noun 1 [C] a written statement describing the rights that a particular group of people should have: the European Union's Social Charter of workers' rights * a rail passenger's charter * a charter of rights for people with disabilities 2 [C] a written statement of the principles and aims of an organization SYNCONSTITUTION: the United Nations Charter 3 [C] an official document stating that a ruler or government allows a new organization, town or university to be established and gives it particular rights and privileges: The Royal College received its charter as a university in 1967. * Certain towns were allowed to hold weekly markets, by royal charter. 4 [sing.] ~ (for sth) (BrE) a law or policy that seems likely to help criminals: The new law will be a charter for unscrupulous financial advisers. * a blackmailer's charter 5 [U] the hiring of a plane, boat, etc: a yacht available for charter verb [VN] 1 to hire/rent a plane, boat, etc. for your own use: a chartered plane * They flew to Athens and then chartered a boat to the island. 2 to state officially that a new organization, town or university has been established and has special rights and privileges