frank

adjective

1. 1

   Honest, especially in a manner that seems slightly blunt; candid; not reserved or disguised.

   May I be frank with you?

2. 2

   Unmistakable, clinically obvious, self-evident.

   The research probes whether treating pre-diabetes with metformin can prevent progression to frank diabetes.

3. 3

   obsoleteUnbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.

   It is of frank gift.

4. 4

   obsoleteLiberal; generous; profuse.

   Frank of Civilities that cost them nothing.

5. 5

   obsoleteUnrestrained; loose; licentious.

   Over the fields, in his franke lustinesse, And all the champain o're he soared light.

noun

1. 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. 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."

verb

1. 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?

2. 2

   To exempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.

3. 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.

noun

1. 1

   A hot dog or sausage.

   Buy a package of franks for the barbecue.

   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.

   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!

   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.

noun

1. 1

   The grey heron.

noun

1. 1

   A pigsty.

verb

1. 1

   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 pains

noun

1. 1

   Variant of franchistoricalObsolete form of franc, former French coins, moneys of account, and currency.

   Frank, or Franc, an ancient coin, either of gold or ſilver, ſtruck and current in France. The value of the gold frank was ſomewhat more than that of the gold crown; the ſilver frank was a third of the gold one; this coin is long out of uſe, though the term is ſtill retained as the name of a money of account; in which ſenſe it is equivalent to the livre, or twenty ſols.

Forms

plural

franks

comparative

franker

superlative

frankest

past tense

franked

past participle

franked

present participle

franking

third person singular

franks