CHARTERS

A document issued by some authority, creating a public or private institution, and defining its purposes and privileges.

A similar document conferring rights and privileges on a person, corporation etc.

A contract for the commercial leasing of a vessel, or space on a vessel.

The temporary hiring or leasing of a vehicle.

A deed (legal contract).

A special privilege, immunity, or exemption.

(in a noun phrase with another noun which is either an agent or action) a provision whose unintended consequence would be to encourage an undesirable activity Example: 2005 November 30, Stephen Foley "The market where 'caveat emptor' has become a charter for fraud" The Independent, London