I. ˈfranˌchīz, -raan- sometimes -īs noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English, from Old French, from franchir to free, from franche (feminine of franc free) + -ise -ice — more at frank
1. obsolete : freedom from servitude or restraint
2.
a. : freedom or immunity from some burden, exaction, restriction, or superior jurisdiction vested either in a natural or an artificial person or a particular class or order of persons : exemption — compare charter 2b
b. archaic : the jurisdiction over which such a freedom extends : the limits of such an immunity
3.
a. : a right or privilege conferred by grant from a sovereign or a government and vested in an individual or a group ; specifically : a right to do business conferred by a government — see franchise tax
b. : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege ; especially : the right to vote — usually used with the
c.
(1) : the right granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory
(2) : the territory involved in such a right
d. : a contract for public works or public services granted by a government to an individual or company
e.
(1) : the right of membership granted by certain professional sports leagues
(2) : such membership itself
(3) : a team and the professional organization operating it having such membership
f. : the right to present, broadcast, or televise the events put on by a sports league or organization
4.
a. : an amount of liability (as a percentage or a sum) specified in an insurance contract below which an underwriter claims only partial liability or disclaims liability and often above which the underwriter assumes total liability
b. : group coverage insurance of fewer than the minimum number of participants required by state law for such coverage
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
Etymology: Middle English fraunchisen, from Middle French fraunchiss-, stem of franchir
1. archaic : to set free
2. : to grant a franchise or the franchise to : enfranchise
an amendment franchising adults over 18
these firms are now being franchised to handle this manufacturer's line — Distribution Age