Main Entry:

char·i·ty

Pronunciation:

\ˈcher-ə-tē, ˈcha-rə-\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural char·i·ties

Etymology:

Middle English charite, from Anglo-French charité, from Late Latin caritat-, caritas Christian love, from Latin, dearness, from carus dear; akin to Old Irish carae friend, Sanskrit kāma love

Date:

13th century

1: benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity2 a: generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering ; also : aid given to those in need b: an institution engaged in relief of the poor c: public provision for the relief of the needy3 a: a gift for public benevolent purposes b: an institution (as a hospital) founded by such a gift4: lenient judgment of others

synonyms see mercy