Charity

(1 Cor. 13), the rendering in the Authorized Version of the word which properly denotes love, and is frequently so rendered (always so in the Revised Version). It is spoken of as the greatest of the three Christian graces (1 Cor. 12:31-13:13).

CHAR'ITY (from Lat. caritas, Fr. charite). In 1 Cor 13:1 and parallel passages the Saxon word love (to God as well as to man) would better express the sentiment intended. See Love. Charity, in the popular acceptation of the word, is confined to love to suffering men, or almsgiving. See Alms.

CHAR'ITY (from Lat. caritas, Fr. charite). In 1 Cor 13:1 and parallel passages the Saxon word love (to God as well as to man) would better express the sentiment intended. See Love. Charity, in the popular acceptation of the word, is confined to love to suffering men, or almsgiving. See Alms.

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. Love; universal benevolence; good will.

2. Liberality in judging of men and their actions; a disposition which inclines men to put the best construction on the words and actions of others. The highest exercise of charity is charity towards the uncharitable. Buckminster.

3. Liberality to the poor and the suffering, to benevolent institutions, or to worthy causes; generosity. The heathen poet, in commending the charity of Dido to the Trojans, spake like a Christian. Dryden.

4. Whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the needy or suffering for their relief; alms; any act of kindness. She did ill then to refuse her a charity. L'Estrange.

5. A charitable institution, or a gift to create and support such an institution; as, Lady Margaret's charity.

6. Eleemosynary appointments [grants or devises] including relief of the poor or friendless, education, religious culture, and public institutions. The charities that soothe, and heal, and bless, Are scattered at the feet of man like flowers. Wordsworth. Sisters of Charity (R. C. Ch.), a sisterhood of religious women engaged in works of mercy, esp. in nursing the sick; -- a popular designation. There are various orders of the Sisters of Charity.

Synonyms: Love; benevolence; good will; affection; tenderness; beneficence; liberality; almsgiving.