ETYM French, from franc, fem. franche, free. Related to Frank.
In politics, the eligibility, right, or privilege to vote at public elections, especially for the members of a legislative body, or parliament. In the UK adult citizens are eligible to vote from the age of 18, with the exclusion of peers, the insane, and criminals.
In the UK it was 1918 before all men had the right to vote, and 1928 before women were enfranchised; in New Zealand women were granted the right as early as 1893.1. A business established or operated under an authorization to sell or distribute a company's goods or services in a particular area; SYN. dealership.
2. A statutory right or privilege granted to a person or group by a government (especially the right to vote).
3. An authorization to sell a company's goods or services in a particular place.