ˈkärtˈbläⁿsh, ˈkȧt-, -änch noun
( plural cartes blanches -t…sh(ə̇z), -ch(ə̇z))
Etymology: French
1. : a blank document signed in advance by one party to an agreement and given to the other with permission to fill in what conditions he pleases
2. : full discretionary power : unlimited delegated authority
the architect was given carte blanche to build, landscape, and furnish the house
3. : a hand of cards (as in piquet) containing no king, queen, or jack but having special value