VocabDictionary

charter colony

/ˈtʃɑːrtər ˈkɑːləni/advanced Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A colony established by a group of settlers who had been given a formal document (charter) by the monarch granting them certain rights, privileges, and powers of self-governance.

Example Sentences:
  • Rhode Island and Connecticut operated as charter colonies, enjoying a high degree of self-government during the colonial period.
  • Unlike royal colonies, charter colonies elected their own governors and legislatures without direct interference from the king.
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English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “charter colony”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'charter' (from Middle English, via Old French from Latin 'chartula', a small piece of paper or document) and 'colony' (from Latin 'colonia', from 'colonus', a farmer or settler). Historically refers to a colony granted a charter by the British Crown, establishing a government independent of direct royal control.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of a 'charter' as a written contract or permission slip. A 'charter colony' was a settlement that ran itself based on an official written agreement with the monarch.

Frequently Asked Questions About “charter colony

1. What is the meaning of “charter colony” in English?

In English, charter colony (noun) is defined as: “A colony established by a group of settlers who had been given a formal document (charter) by the monarch granting them certain rights, privileges, and powers of self-governance.”.

2. How do you use “charter colony” in a sentence?

Rhode Island and Connecticut operated as charter colonies, enjoying a high degree of self-government during the colonial period.

3. What are English synonyms of “charter colony”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “charter colony”?

Derived from 'charter' (from Middle English, via Old French from Latin 'chartula', a small piece of paper or document) and 'colony' (from Latin 'colonia', from 'colonus', a farmer or settler). Historically refers to a colony granted a charter by the British Crown, establishing a government independent of direct royal control.