frank

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

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

   May I be frank with you?

2. 2
   adj

   Unmistakable, clinically obvious, self-evident.

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

3. 3
   adj

   Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.

   It is of frank gift.

4. 4
   adj

   Liberal; generous; profuse.

   Frank of Civilities that cost them nothing.

5. 5
   adj

   Unrestrained; loose; licentious.

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

6. 6
   noun

   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.

7. 7
   noun

   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."

8. 8
   verb

   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?

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.