Now abideth faith, hope, charity, three; but the
greatest of these is charity. --1. Cor.
xiii. 13.
They, at least, are little to be envied, in whose
hearts the great charities . . . lie dead. --Ruskin.
With malice towards none, with charity for all.
--Lincoln.
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. pl. (Law) 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.
Syn: Love; benevolence; good will; affection; tenderness;
beneficence; liberality; almsgiving.