Definition of grant

The word "grant" has a rich history dating back to Old English. It comes from the verb "gran," which means "to give" or "to bestow." In its earliest senses, "grant" referred to giving or bestowing something, often in a formal or official manner. This could include granting a privilege, a right, or a favor. Over time, the meaning of "grant" expanded to include giving or awarding something, such as a grant of money or a grant of land. In the 14th century, the word "grant" began to be used in the context of written documents, such as charters and patents, where it referred to the act of giving or conferring something. This sense of the word has been maintained in modern English, where "grant" is commonly used to refer to a financial award or a written document that gives permission or confers a right.