charter

noun | char·ter

1. a : a grant or guarantee of rights, powers, or privileges from an authority or agency of a state or country a state bank charter — compare constitution

   b : a written instrument that creates and defines the powers and privileges of a city, educational institution, or corporation — compare articles of incorporation

2. : a written instrument from the authorities of a society creating a lodge, branch, or chapter

3. : a lease of a ship especially for the delivery of cargo — called also charter party

transitive verb

1. : to establish, enable, or convey by charter charter a bank

2. : to lease or hire for usually exclusive and temporary use charter a ship