Theol. Pl. -ata and -s. [a. Gr. χάρισμα pl. -ατα, (esp. in N.T.) favor given, gift of grace, f. χάρίζ-εσθαι to show favor, f. χάρις grace, favor.] A free gift or favor specially vouchsafed by God; a grace, a talent.
a. 1641. Bp. Mountagu, Acts & Mon. (1642), 217. The Gentiles for the Charismata of grace, were of duller capacities then the Jews.
1644. Bulwer, Chirol., 149. Is used in the conveyance of that Charisme or miraculous gift of healing.
1852. Conybeare & H., St. Paul, I. xiii. (1862), 402. The gift of prophecy was that charism which enabled its possessors to utter, with the authority of inspiration, divine strains of warning.
1862. Colenso, in Evangel. Christendom, Oct., 475. He [St. Paul] speaks, indeed, of various charisms or graces.
1876. C. M. Davies, Unorth. Lond., 322. The charismata of the early Church.
