frank

Etymology 1

From Middle English frank, from Old French franc (“free”), in turn from the name of an early Germanic confederation, the Franks, from Proto-West Germanic *frank (“courageous, free”) and/or Proto-West Germanic *frankō (“javelin, spear”).

adj

1. honest, especially in a manner that seems slightly blunt; candid; not reserved or disguised.
   May I be frank with you?
2. (medicine) unmistakable, clinically obvious, self-evident
   The research probes whether treating pre-diabetes with metformin can prevent progression to frank diabetes.
3. (obsolete) Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.
4. (obsolete) Liberal; generous; profuse.
5. (obsolete, derogatory) Unrestrained; loose; licentious.

noun

1. (uncountable) 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.
2. (countable) The notice on an envelope where a stamp would normally be found.

verb

1. To place a frank on an envelope.
2. To exempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
3. To send by public conveyance free of expense.
   1850-1859, Charles Dickens, Household Words This required extensive correspondence; so, in the next place, the privilege of franking letters in reference to the emigrants' registration office, was obtained—much to the indignation of red tapists.

Etymology 2

Clipping of frankfurter.

noun

1. A hot dog or sausage.
   Buy a package of franks for the barbecue.
   I want the name of this flying whatchamacallit to go with the Daily Planet like bacon and eggs, franks and beans, death and taxes, politics and corruption! 1978, Superman: The Movie, spoken by Perry White (Jackie Cooper)
   I'm in my Flavmobile cold lamping. I took a G upstate cold camping. To the Poconos, we call a hideaways. A bag of franks and a bag of Frito-Lays. 1988-06-28, “Cold Lampin' With Flavor” (track 4), in It Takes a Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back, performed by Public Enemy

Etymology 3

noun

1. (UK) The grey heron.

Etymology 4

From Old French franc.

noun

1. A pigsty.

verb

1. To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten.

Etymology 5

From French franc.

noun

1. (historical) Obsolete form of franc, former French coins, moneys of account, and currency.
   Frank, or Franc, an ancient coin, either of gold or ſilver, ſtruck and current in France. The value of the gold frank was ſomewhat more than that of the gold crown; the ſilver frank was a third of the gold one; this coin is long out of uſe, though the term is ſtill retained as the name of a money of account; in which ſenſe it is equivalent to the livre, or twenty ſols. 1771, Encyclopaedia Britannica, 1st ed., Vol. II, p. 630