Magna Carta

Or Mag·na Char·ta

[mag-nuh kahr-tuh]

noun

1. the “great charter” of English liberties, forced from King John by the English barons and sealed at Runnymede, June 15, 1215.

2. any fundamental constitution or law guaranteeing rights and liberties.

Magna Carta

/ ˈmæɡnə ˈkɑːtə /

noun

1. English history the charter granted by King John at Runnymede in 1215, recognizing the rights and privileges of the barons, church, and freemen

Magna Carta

1. A list of rights and privileges that King John of England signed under pressure from English noblemen in 1215. It established the principles that the king could not levy taxes without consent of his legislature, or parliament, and that no free man in England could be deprived of liberty or property except through a trial or other legal process.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magna Carta¹

1425–75; late Middle English < Medieval Latin

Word History and Origins

Origin of Magna Carta¹

Medieval Latin: great charter

When To Use

What is the Magna Carta?

The Magna Carta is an English “great charter” that was signed into law by King John on June 15, 1215.Some of the best-known concepts outlined in the Magna Carta include making the monarch subject to the rule of law, basic rights held by citizens (or “free men”), and the social contract between ruler and subjects.