charter colony

noun

, American History.

1. a colony, as Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut, or Rhode Island, chartered to an individual, trading company, etc., by the British crown. Compare royal colony ( def 2 ).

charter colony

noun

1. history a colony, such as Virginia or Massachusetts, created by royal charter under the control of an individual, trading company, etc, and exempt from interference by the Crown

Word History and Origins

Origin of charter colony¹

First recorded in 1760–70