franchises

Noun

franchise (countable and uncountable, plural franchises)

1. The right to vote at a public election or referendum; see: suffrage.
2. A right or privilege officially granted to a person, a group of people, or a company by a government.
   • a. 1872, William H. Seward, debate
     Election by universal suffrage, as modified by the Constitution, is the one crowning franchise of the American people.
3. An acknowledgment of a corporation's existence and ownership.
4. The authorization granted by a company to sell or distribute its goods or services in a certain area.
   • McDonald’s has exported its franchise.
5. A business operating under such authorization, a franchisee.

   Synonyms:

   franchisee, concession

6. A legal exemption from jurisdiction.

See all 16 meanings of franchise