franchise

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noun fran·chise \ˈfran-ˌchīz\

Definition of franchise

1 : freedom or immunity from some burden or restriction vested in a person or group
2a : a special privilege granted to an individual or group; especially : the right to be and exercise the powers of a corporationb : a constitutional or statutory right or privilege; especially : the right to votec (1) : the right or license granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory; also : a business granted such a right or license just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street (2) : the territory involved in such a right
3a : the right of membership in a professional sports leagueb : a team and its operating organization having such membership He's the best player in the history of the franchise.

She was granted an exclusive franchise in the city's west end.
They just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street.
The U.S. did not extend the franchise to women until the early 20th century.
He's the best player in the history of the franchise.

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from franchir to free, from franc free — more at frank

First Known Use: 14th century

verb fran·chise

;

First Known Use: 14th century

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noun

: the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area; also : a business that is given such a right
: the right to vote
sports : a team that is a member of a professional sports league

verb

: to offer the right to sell (your company's goods or services) in a particular area

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noun fran·chise \ˈfran-ˌchīz\

1 : a special right or privilege granted by the government to an individual, group, or business entity: as a : a right to conduct a business and especially to be and to exercise the powers of a corporation b : a right granted to a public utility company to provide services and to use public land for that purpose
2 : a constitutional or statutory right; especially : the right to vote —used with the restricting them in employment, education, the franchise, legal personality, and public accommodation — W. H. Burns
3 : a right or license that is granted to an individual or group to market a company's goods or services in a particular territory under the company's trademark, trade name, or service mark and that often involves the use of rules and procedures designed by the company and services (as advertising) and facilities provided by the company in return for fees, royalties, or other compensation; also : a business granted such a right or license ran a fast-food franchise
4a : an amount of liability (as a percentage or sum) specified in an insurance contract below which an insurer disclaims liability and above which the insurer assumes total liability — compare deductible b : group insurance covering fewer than the minimum number of participants required by law for such coverage