Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

charter-colony

noun

/ˈtʃɑːrtər ˈkɒləni/

Definition

A charter colony is a type of British colony that was governed by a charter granted by the Crown. This charter outlined the colony’s government and often gave colonists a significant degree of autonomy.

Examples

The Massachusetts Bay Colony was a successful charter colony in the 17th century.
In a charter colony, the legislative assembly had more power compared to other colonial types.
Charter colonies often attracted settlers seeking freedom from oppressive rules in their home country.

Meaning

Charter colonies were established through a legal document that defined the rights and privileges of the settlers, providing them with self-governance while still recognizing the authority of the monarch.