noun pl. charities -·ties

1. Christian Theol. the love of God for humanity, or a love of one's fellow human beings
2. an act of goodwill or affection
3. the feeling of goodwill; benevolence
4. kindness or leniency in judging others
5. 1. a voluntary giving of money or other help to those in need
   2. money or help so given
   3. an institution or other recipient of such help
6. a welfare institution, organization, or fund

Etymology: 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

noun

Etymology: see charity