a. [ F. See Charity. ] 1. Full of love and good will; benevolent; kind. [ 1913 Webster ]
Be thy intents wicked or charitable, . . .
. . . I will speak to thee. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Liberal in judging of others; disposed to look on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment. [ 1913 Webster ]
3. Liberal in benefactions to the poor; giving freely; generous; beneficent. [ 1913 Webster ]
What charitable men afford to beggars. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
4. Of or pertaining to charity; springing from, or intended for, charity; relating to almsgiving; eleemosynary; as, a charitable institution. [ 1913 Webster ]
5. Dictated by kindness; favorable; lenient. [ 1913 Webster ]
By a charitable construction it may be a sermon. L. Andrews.
Syn. -- Kind; beneficent; benevolent; generous; lenient; forgiving; helpful; liberal; favorable; indulgent. [ 1913 Webster ]