v. t. To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten. [ Obs. ] Shak. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ OF. franc. ] A pigsty. [ Obs. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Cf. F. franc. See Frank, a. ]
n. [ See Frank, a. ] The privilege of sending letters or other mail matter, free of postage, or without charge; also, the sign, mark, or signature denoting that a letter or other mail matter is to go free of postage. Called also the
I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again. Cowper. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. (Zool.) The common heron; -- so called from its note. [ Prov. Eng. ] [ 1913 Webster ]
v. t.
a.
Frank of civilities that cost them nothing. L'Estrange. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ F. franc free + Norm. F. almoigne alma, for almosne, F. aumône. See Frank, a., and Almoner. ] (Eng. Law) A tenure by which a religious corporation holds lands given to them and their successors forever, usually on condition of praying for the soul of the donor and his heirs; -- called also
n. [ Frank free + chase. ] (Eng. Law) The liberty or franchise of having a chase; free chase. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ Frank free + fee. ] (Eng. Law) A species of tenure in fee simple, being the opposite of ancient demesne, or copyhold. Burrill. [ 1913 Webster ]