1. Broadly, the highest law of an entity. More specifically:
(a) In corporate law, the articles of incorporation.
(b) In public law, the instrument by which a municipality is incorporated (e.g., city charter). This type of charter includes the highest laws of the municipality and its organizational structure.
(c) In legislative law, a government act that establishes a publicly funded business or undertaking.
2. In popular usage, the lease of a bus, airplane, ship, or other usually large or expensive vehicle for transporation. A person who signs such a lease is said to charter the vehicle. The vehicle used under this agreement is said to be chartered.