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n. 1. A privilege or right granted by law, especially the right to vote in the election of public officials. 2. A special privilege given by government to a corporation or an individual to engage in a particular activity using public facilities, especially to provide a public service such as transportation or communications. 3. The establishment of a corporation, including the granting of certain privileges such as exemption from individual liability for the acts of the corporation. 4. a. Authorization granted to someone to sell or distribute a company's goods or services in a certain area. b. A business or group of businesses established or operated under such authorization. c. A brand name under which a series of products is released. 5. The territory or limits within which immunity, a privilege, or a right may be exercised. 6. A professional sports team. tr.v. fran·chised, fran·chis·ing, fran·chis·es To grant a franchise to. [Middle English fraunchise, from Old French franchise, from franche, feminine of franc, free, exempt; see FRANK1.] |
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