n.
(pl. charities)
- an organization set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.
- the voluntary giving of money to those in need.
▸help or money given in this way.
- tolerance in judging others.
- archaic love of humankind, typically in a Christian context.
Etymology
OE: from OFr. charite, from L. caritas, from carus ‘dear’.