noun

a written grant by the sovereign or legislative power of a country, by which a body such as a city, company, or university is founded or its rights and privileges defined.

the town received a charter from the Emperor

authority,authorization,sanction,covenant,dispensation,consent,permission,sufferance,prerogative,privilege,right,droit,permit,licence,warrant,warranty,deed,bond,document,indenture,concession,franchise

verb

grant a charter to (a city, company, university, or other body).

the company was chartered in 1864