01 n. Love; universal benevolence; good will.
pl.
Charities ((#))
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1.
Love; universal benevolence; good will.“Now abideth faith, hope, charity, three; but the greatest of these is charity.” — 1. Cor. xiii. 13.“They, at least, are little to be envied, in whose hearts the great charities . . . lie dead.” — Ruskin.“With malice towards none, with charity for all.” — Lincoln.
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2.
Liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to put the best construction on the words and actions of others.“The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable.” — Buckminster.
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3.
Liberality to the poor and the suffering, to benevolent institutions, or to worthy causes; generosity.“The heathen poet, in commending the charity of Dido to the Trojans, spake like a Christian.” — Dryden.
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4.
Whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the needy or suffering for their relief; alms; any act of kindness.“She did ill then to refuse her a charity.” — L'Estrange.
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5.
A charitable institution, or a gift to create and support such an institution; as, Lady Margaret's charity.
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6.
Eleemosynary appointments [grants or devises] including relief of the poor or friendless, education, religious culture, and public institutions.(Law)“The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless, Are scattered at the feet of man like flowers.” — Wordsworth.
Phrases & compounds
Sisters of Charity —
a sisterhood of religious women engaged in works of mercy, esp. in nursing the sick; -- a popular designation. There are various orders of the Sisters of Charity.
Syn.
Love; benevolence; good will; affection; tenderness; beneficence; liberality; almsgiving.