As in definition 6., below:
char·i·ty, n. (pl. char·i·ties)
1. Provision of help or relief to the poor; almsgiving.
2. Something given to help the needy; alms.
3. An institution, organization, or fund established to help the needy.
4. Benevolence or generosity toward others or toward humanity.
5. Indulgence or forbearance in judging others. See Synonyms at mercy.
6. often Charity - Christianity. The theological virtue defined as love directed first toward God but also toward oneself and one's neighbors as objects of God's love.
[Middle English "charite" coming from Old French meaning "Christian love", from Latin "caritas", affection and "crus", dear. See "ka" in Indo-European Roots.]
Updated On: 11/25/05 at 11:48 PM