adj., v., & n.
--adj.
1. candid, outspoken (a frank opinion).
2 undisguised, avowed (frank admiration).
3 ingenuous, open (a frank face).
4 Med. unmistakable.
--v.tr.
1. stamp (a letter) with an official mark (esp. other than a normal postage stamp) to record the payment of postage.
2 hist. superscribe (a letter etc.) with a signature ensuring conveyance without charge; send without charge.
3 archaic facilitate the coming and going of (a person).
--n.
1. a franking signature or mark.
2 a franked cover.
Derivatives:
frankable adj. franker n. frankness n.
Etymology: ME f. OF franc f. med.L francus free, f. FRANK (since only Franks had full freedom in Frankish Gaul)