Etymology From Middle English frank, from Old French franc (“free”), in turn from the name of an early Germanic confederation, the Franks, from Proto-West Germanic *frankō (“javelin, spear”). Doublet of Frank, franc, and farang.
1
Honest, especially in a manner that seems slightly blunt; candid; not reserved or disguised.
The research probes whether treating pre-diabetes with metformin can prevent progression to frank diabetes.
3
Obsolete Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.
It is of frank gift.1591, Ed[mund] Sp[enser], “Prosopopoia. Or Mother Hubberds Tale.”, in Complaints. Containing Sundrie Small Poemes of the Worlds Vanitie. […], London: […] William Ponsonbie, […], →OCLC:
Frank of Civilities that cost them nothing.1692, Roger L’Estrange, “ (please specify the fable number.) (please specify the name of the fable.)”, in Fables, of Æsop and Other Eminent Mythologists: […], London: […] R[ichard] Sare, […], →OCLC:
Over the fields, in his franke lustinesse, And all the champain o're he soared light.1591, Ed[mund] Sp[enser], “Muiopotmos, or The Fate of the Butterflie”, in Complaints. Containing Sundrie Small Poemes of the Worlds Vanitie. […], London: […] William Ponsonbie, […], →OCLC:
Etymology From Middle English frank, from Old French franc (“free”), in turn from the name of an early Germanic confederation, the Franks, from Proto-West Germanic *frankō (“javelin, spear”). Doublet of Frank, franc, and farang.
1
Free postage, a right exercised by governments (usually with definite article).
October 5, 1780, William Cowper, letter to Rev. William Unwin I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again.
2
The notice on an envelope where a stamp would normally be found.
But, although her friends were kind, Lady Anne was not easy; neither daughter made her appearance, nor did she receive a letter to account for their silence. She remembered, indeed, that Charles Penrhyn could not get franks now, and her daughters knew she would not pay postage; and she had commanded Helen to work night and day, saying, "surely they can give her common materials."1842, [anonymous collaborator of Letitia Elizabeth Landon], “(please specify the page)”, in Lady Anne Granard; or, Keeping up Appearances. […], volume II, London: Henry Colburn, […], →OCLC, pages 178–179:
frank
verb
Etymology From Middle English frank, from Old French franc (“free”), in turn from the name of an early Germanic confederation, the Franks, from Proto-West Germanic *frankō (“javelin, spear”). Doublet of Frank, franc, and farang.
1
To place a frank on an envelope.
It will be so ridiculous to see all his letters directed to him with an M.P.—But do you know, he says, he will never frank for me?1811, [Jane Austen], chapter 20, in Sense and Sensibility […], volume (please specify |volume=I to III), London: […] C[harles] Roworth, […], and published by T[homas] Egerton, […], →OCLC:
2
To exempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
3
To send by public conveyance free of expense.
1850-1859, Charles Dickens, Household Words This required extensive correspondence; so, in the next place, the privilege of franking letters in reference to the emigrants' registration office, was obtained—much to the indignation of red tapists.
To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten.
Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid; He is franked up to fatting for his painsc. 1593 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedy of Richard the Third: […]”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount, published 1623, →OCLC, [Act I, scene iii]:
Frank
noun
CA, US /ˈfɹeɪ̯ŋk/ · /ˈfɹæŋk/
Etymology From Middle English Frank, partially from Old English Franca (“a Frank”); and partially from Old French Franc, and/or Latin Francus (“a Frank”), from Frankish *Franko (“a Frank”); both maybe from Proto-Germanic *frankô (“javelin”). Cognate with Old High German Franko (“a Frank”), Old English franca (“spear, javelin”). Compare Saxon, ultimately a derivative of Proto-Germanic *sahsą (“knife, dagger”). Doublet of franc, frank, and farang.
1
One of the Franks, a Germanic federation that inhabited parts of what are now France, the Low Countries and Germany.
We had a farewell meal of franks and beans in a Seventh Avenue Riker’s, and then Dean got on the bus that said Chicago and roared off into the night.1957 September 5, Jack Kerouac, chapter 1, in On the Road, New York, N.Y.: Viking Press, →OCLC, part 1:
3 more examples
I want the name of this flying whatchamacallit to go with the Daily Planet like bacon and eggs, franks and beans, death and taxes, politics and corruption!1978, Superman: The Movie, spoken by Perry White (Jackie Cooper):
I'm in my Flavmobile cold lamping. I took a G upstate cold camping. To the Poconos, we call a hideaways. A bag of franks and a bag of Frito-Lays.1988 June 28, “Cold Lampin' With Flavor” (track 4), in It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, performed by Public Enemy:
Chicago has a major influence on flavored foods of the Midwest. It’s the home of deep dish-style pizza and the Italian beef sandwich. It’s also the home of the famous frank known as the Chicago-style hot dog. Based on a Vienna all-beef frank, this distinguished dog is typically steamed and served in a warm poppy seed bun topped with mustard, sweet pickle relish, chopped onion, tomato wedges or slices, sport peppers, and a dill pickle spear, then finished off with a dash of celery salt2007, Becky Mercuri, The Great American Hot Dog Book: Recipes and Side Dishes from Across America, Gibbs Smith: