Charity
(full definition)
noun: 1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will;
that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good.
In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God,
and universal good will to men.
2. In a more particular sense, love, kindness, affection, tenderness, springing from natural relations,
as the charities of father, son, and brother.
3. Liberality to the poor, consisting in
almsgiving or benefactions,
or gratuitous services to relieve
them in distress.

Noah Webster's 1828
dictionary of the
English
language