Frank (?), n. [OF. franc.]
A pigsty.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.
Frank, v. t.
To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten.
[Obs.]
Shak.
© Webster 1913.
Frank, n. Zool.
The common heron; -- so called from its note.
[Prov. Eng.]
© Webster 1913.
Frank (?), a. [Compar Franker (?); superl. Frankest.] [F. franc free, frank, L. Francus a Frank, fr. OHG. Franko the name of a Germanic people on the Rhine, who afterward founded the French monarchy; cf. AS. franca javelin, Icel. frakka. Cf. Franc, French, a., Franchise, n.]
1.
Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.
[R.] "It is of
frank gift."
Spenser.
2.
Free in uttering one's real sentiments; not reserved; using no disguise; candid; ingenuous; as, a frank nature, conversation, manner, etc.
3.
Liberal; generous; profuse.
[Obs.]
Frank of civilities that cost them nothing.
L'Estrange.
4.
Unrestrained; loose; licentious; -- used in a bad sense.
Spenser.
Syn. -- Ingenuous; candid; artless; plain; open; unreserved; undisguised; sincere. See Candid, Ingenuous.
© Webster 1913.
Frank (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Franked (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Franking.]
1.
To send by public conveyance free of expense.
Dickens.
2.
To extempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
© Webster 1913.
Frank, n. [See Frank, a.]
The privilege of sending letters or other mail matter, free of postage, or without charge; also, the sign, mark, or signature denoting that a letter or other mail matter is to free of postage.
I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again.
Cowper.
© Webster 1913.
Frank, n. [Cf. F. franc. See Frank, a.]
1. Ethnol.
A member of one of the German tribes that in the fifth century overran and conquered Gaul, and established the kingdom of France.
2.
A native or inhabitant of Western Europe; a European; -- a term used in the Levant.
3.
A French coin. See Franc.
© Webster 1913.