n. [ F., fr. franc, fem. franche, free. See Frank, a. ] 1. Exemption from constraint or oppression; freedom; liberty. [ Obs. ] Spenser. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (LAw) A particular privilege conferred by grant from a sovereign or a government, and vested in individuals; an immunity or exemption from ordinary jurisdiction; a constitutional or statutory right or privilege, esp. the right to vote. [ 1913 Webster ] Election by universal suffrage, as modified by the Constitution, is the one crowning franchise of the American people. W. H. Seward. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. The district or jurisdiction to which a particular privilege extends; the limits of an immunity; hence, an asylum or sanctuary. [ 1913 Webster ] Churches and mobasteries in Spain are franchises for criminals. London Encyc. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. Magnanimity; generosity; liberality; frankness; nobility. “Franchise in woman.” [ Obs. ] Chaucer. [ 1913 Webster ]
Elective franchise, the privilege or right of voting in an election of public officers. [ 1913 Webster ]
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