I. ˈfran-ˌchīz noun
Etymology: Middle English, from Anglo-French, from franchir to free, from franc free — more at frank
Date: 14th century
1. : freedom or immunity from some burden or restriction vested in a person or group
2.
a. : a special privilege granted to an individual or group ; especially : the right to be and exercise the powers of a corporation
b. : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege ; especially : the right to vote
c.
(1) : the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory ; also : a business granted such a right or license
(2) : the territory involved in such a right
3.
a. : the right of membership in a professional sports league
b. : a team and its operating organization having such membership
II. transitive verb
( fran·chised ; fran·chis·ing )
Date: 14th century
1. archaic : free
2. : to grant a franchise to