A document or deed attesting or conferring a right, advantage, or immunity. Now historical.

A written document delivered by the sovereign or legislature. granting privileges to, or recognizing rights of, the people, or of certain classes…

Law. A document conferring some privilege, right, office, title, or property; = letters patent n. at patent, adj. 1a.

A document granted by a competent authority conferring some honour, privilege, or licence; esp. that given by a university or college, testifying to…

An official document granting certain privileges from a sovereign or government; spec. in the Army, a document conferring nominal rank on an…

A charter, n.1 Also used figuratively.

A writing tablet, a letter or note written on such a tablet; an account book; a diploma or letters patent. Usually in plural. Obsolete.