1 The formal allegation, contained in an indictment, information, or presentment, that a person committed a specific crime. 2 An instruction to the jury. 3 A claim, debt, encumbrance, or lien. 4 An individual or thing placed in another's care. Allen charge. An instruction given, generally in a criminal trial, encouraging a jury to continue its deliberations after reporting a deadlock,on the basis that considerable expense and time has gone into the trial of the matter and the jury should make...