Lexica → Word → charter
| Letter | C |
|---|---|
| Letter name | cee |
| Pronounciation | /siː/ |
| Word: | charter |
|---|---|
| Pronounciation: | |
| Century: | 13th |
| DA Name: | charter |
| Era: | C.E. |
| Origin: | Original |
| Type: | Official |
| Source Language: | Latin |
Source Language Words: | |
| Source Text: | |
Definition: | From 13th Century Latin charta meaning "highest officially sanctioned paper/map/tablet". From pre-3rd Century Greek khartes meaning "official document of papyrus" and possibly even ancient Egyptian. The word "charter" both represents the highest of official documents both in authority and construction. For a document to be considered a charter, it is traditionally to be constructed from fine velum (animal skin). For the most senior of Roman Cult documents there is even evidence that the ink used was a mixture of ink and blood--hence the preference of a charter to be written in red as opposed to black. A charter begins with the INCIPIT --the opening phrase which announces the document. It ends with the DATUM --as to its place and date of signature all on one continuous single document/scroll/tablet. In many cases, a charter is then sealed with a BULLA (metal/clay seal). A PAPAL BULL is a form of charter. |
