charity: Meaning and Definition of

char•i•ty

Pronunciation: (char'i-tē), [key]
— pl. -ties.
  1. generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one's life to charity.
  2. something given to a person or persons in need; alms: She asked for work, not charity.
  3. a charitable act or work.
  4. a charitable fund, foundation, or institution: He left his estate to a charity.
  5. benevolent feeling, esp. toward those in need or in disfavor: She looked so poor that we fed her out of charity.
  6. leniency in judging others; forbearance: She was inclined to view our selfish behavior with charity.
  7. Christian love; agape.

Char•i•ty

Pronunciation: (char'i-tē), [key]
— n.
  1. a female given name.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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