Franchise Definition

frănchīz
franchised, franchises, franchising
noun
franchises
Freedom from some restriction, servitude, etc.
Webster's New World
Any special right, privilege, or exemption granted by the government, as to be a corporation, operate a public utility, etc.
Webster's New World
A special privilege given by government to a corporation or an individual to engage in a particular activity using public facilities, especially to provide a public service such as transportation or communications.
American Heritage
The establishment of a corporation, including the granting of certain privileges such as exemption from individual liability for the acts of the corporation.
American Heritage
The right to vote; suffrage.
Webster's New World
verb
franchised, franchises, franchising
To grant a franchise to.
Webster's New World

To confer certain powers on; grant a franchise to; authorize.

Wiktionary

(rare) To set free; invest with a franchise or privilege; enfranchise.

Wiktionary
adjective
Designating a player on a professional team who is regarded as being essential to that team's success.
Webster's New World

Other Word Forms of Franchise

Noun

Singular:
franchise
Plural:
franchises

Origin of Franchise

  • From Middle English franchisen, fraunchisen, from Old French franchir (stem franchiss-, “to set free”), from franc (“free”). More at frank.

    From Wiktionary

  • Middle English fraunchise from Old French franchise from franche feminine of franc free, exempt frank1

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • From Middle English, from Old French franchise (“freedom”), a derivative of franc (“free”). More at frank.

    From Wiktionary

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