Dictionary entry

Charitable

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Char″i‐ta‐ble (?), a. [F. See Charity.]

1. Full of love and good will; benevolent; kind.

Be thy intents wicked or charitable,...

... I will speak to thee.

Shak.

2. Liberal in judging of others; disposed to look on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment.

3. Liberal in benefactions to the poor; giving freely; generous; beneficent.

What charitable men afford to beggars.

Shak.

4. Of or pertaining to charity; springing from, or intended for, charity; relating to almsgiving; eleemosynary; as, a charitable institution.

5. Dictated by kindness; favorable; lenient.

By a charitable construction it may be a sermon.

L. Andrews.

Syn. — Kind; beneficent; benevolent; generous; lenient; forgiving; helpful; liberal; favorable; indulgent.