royal burgh

(BURGH.] royal-charter, subst . A charter granted by the sovereign, and conveying certain rights and privileges to the subjects, as a charter granted in England to boroughs and municipal bodies, to uni. versities and colleges, or to colonies and foreign po e ions. Royal Family, s. The family of the sovereign, spec if. the Sovereign, the male Heir Apparent to the throne, and the Prince Royal. With regard to the other princes and prince es, the term Royal Family has two meanings. In the wider one 't com prehends all those who are by any po ibility inheritable to the crown. In the narrower one it is limited to those who are within a certain degree of propinquity to the reigning prince, and to whom therefore the law pays extraordinary respect.