frank Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a member of the ancient Germanic peoples who spread from the Rhine into the Roman Empire in the 4th century
  2. noun a smooth-textured sausage of minced beef or pork usually smoked; often served on a bread roll
    dog; hot dog; wiener; wienerwurst; frankfurter; weenie; hotdog.
  3. verb stamp with a postmark to indicate date and time of mailing
    postmark.
  4. verb exempt by means of an official pass or letter, as from customs or other checks
  5. adjective satellite characterized by directness in manner or speech; without subtlety or evasion
    straight-from-the-shoulder; outspoken; point-blank; candid; plainspoken; blunt; free-spoken; forthright.
    • blunt talking and straight shooting
    • a blunt New England farmer
    • I gave them my candid opinion
    • forthright criticism
    • a forthright approach to the problem
    • tell me what you think--and you may just as well be frank
    • it is possible to be outspoken without being rude
    • plainspoken and to the point
    • a point-blank accusation
  6. adjective satellite clearly manifest; evident
    • frank enjoyment

WordNet

Frank noun
Etymology
OF. franc.
Definitions
  1. A pigsty. Obs.
Frank transitive verb
Definitions
  1. To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten. Obs. Shak.
Frank noun
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) The common heron; -- so called from its note. Prov. Eng.
Frank adjective
Etymology
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.
Wordforms
comparative Franker ; superlative Frankest
Definitions
  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.
Frank transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Franked ; present participle & verbal noun Franking
Definitions
  1. To send by public conveyance free of expense. Dickens.
  2. To extempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
Frank noun
Etymology
See Frank, a.
Definitions
  1. 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. = franking privelege
    I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again. Cowper.
Frank noun
Etymology
Cf. F. franc. See Frank, a.
Definitions
  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