Charge

(cha rj.) [From Fr. charger.) In a general sense, that which is enjoined, committed, intrusted, or delivered to another, implying care, custody, superintendence, or fulfilment of duty on his part.-(Law.) The instructions given by a judge to a jury before they retire to deliberate upon their verdict. (Eccl. Law.) The instructions given by a bishop to his clergy for the regulation of his diocese.-(Elect.) The accumulation of electricity on the coatings of Leyden jars.-(Gun.) The quantity of powder and ball, or shot, with which agun or other fire-arm is loaded.-(Her.) The ordinaries, figures, ., borne on an escutcheon or coat-ofarms.-(Mil.) A signal to attack; as, to sound the charge. Or the attack itself, which consists in rushing on an enemy with fixed bayonets, drawn sabres, .: used in application to both infantry and cavalry. (Mining.) The quantity of ore placed at once into a furnace for being fused or smelted.-(Far.) A preparation of viscous matter employed as an application in cases of sprain, inflammation, .-(Fine Arts.) In painting, an exaggerated rendering of color, form, effect, . [s. 166]