noun pl. charities
- Christian Theol. the love of God for humanity, or a love of one's fellow human beings
- an act of goodwill or affection
- the feeling of goodwill; benevolence
- kindness or leniency in judging others
- a voluntary giving of money or other help to those in need
- money or help so given
- an institution or other recipient of such help
- a welfare institution, organization, or fund
Origin:
ME & OFr charite < L caritas, costliness, esteem, affection (in Vulg., often used as transl. of LGr(Ec) agapē, agape) < carus, dear, valued < IE *karo- < base *ka-, to like, desire > whore