charters

noun

1. 1

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

2. 2

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

3. 3

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

4. 4

   The temporary hiring or leasing of a vehicle.

5. 5

   A deed (legal contract).

6. 6

   A special privilege, immunity, or exemption.

7. 7

   (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

   “2005 November 30, Stephen Foley "The market where 'caveat emptor' has become a charter for fraud" The Independent, London”