1 A formal document by which a sovereign or a government grants rights, powers, and privileges to a person, business, or the people. 2 The highest law of any organization. See also articles of incorporation and by-law. 3 The lease or rental of an airplane, bus, ship, or similar mode of transportation. corporate charter. 1 A legislative act that establishes a corporation (including its purpose and basic governing structure) or defines a corporate franchise. 2See certificate of incorporation. 3...