frank

adjective5

1. •
   saying openly what someone really thinks, even if it may sound a little rude

   • May I be frank with you?
2. •
   Unmistakable, clinically obvious, self-evident.

   • The research probes whether treating pre-diabetes with metformin can prevent progression to frank diabetes.
3. •
   (no longer used) Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free.

   • It is of frank gift. — 1591
4. •
   (no longer used) Liberal; generous; profuse.

   • Frank of Civilities that cost them nothing. — 1692
5. •
   (no longer used) Unrestrained; loose; licentious.

   • Over the fields, in his franke lustinesse, And all the champain o're he soared light. — 1591

verb4

1. •
   To place a frank on an envelope.

   • It will be so ridiculous to see all his letters directed to him with an M.P.—But do you know, he says, he will never frank for me? — 1811
2. •
   To exempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
3. •
   To send by public conveyance free of expense.
4. •
   To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten.

   • Marry, as for Clarence, he is well repaid; He is franked up to fatting for his pains — 1593

noun5

1. •
   A hot dog or sausage.

   • Buy a package of franks for the barbecue.
2. •
   The notice on an envelope where a stamp would normally be found.
3. •
   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.
4. •
   (UK) The grey heron.
5. •
   A pigsty.

noun2

1. •
   One of the Franks, a Germanic federation that inhabited parts of what are now France, the Low Countries and Germany.
2. •
   Frenchman.