ə̇nˈfranˌchīz, en-, -raan- sometimes -īs transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English enfraunchisen, from Middle French enfranchiss-, stem of enfranchir, from Old French, from en- en- (I) + franc free — more at frank
1. : to set free (as from slavery, prison, or obligation)
2.
a. : to endow with a franchise : admit to the privileges of a freeman or citizen
b. : naturalize
3. : to admit (a town or city) to political privileges : give political rights to (a town or city)
4. : to make (lands) freehold under feudal law
Synonyms: see free