Middle English Dictionary Entry
frank adj.
Entry Info
| Forms | frank adj. Also fraunk. |
| Etymology | OF franc. |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) Free, not a serf; also, liberal, generous [quot.Maximian]; (b) free from confinement or danger; frank and quit; (c) free from a tax, exempt.
Associated quotations
a
- (1182) in Pipe R.Soc.3130 : Pro fuga Ricardi Franc.
- (1276) Close R.Edw.I325 : Robert le Fraunk.
- ?a1300 Maximian (Dgb 86)159 : Of herte ich wes liȝt..And franc mon of honde.
- c1325 Legal Gloss.Gldh.(Gldh Liber Memorandum)456 : Yan..Fraunke.
- 1530(a1470) Tiptoft Caesar (Rastell 1530)13 : He was frank & free borne in a free cytye.
b
- c1475(?c1451) Worcester Bk.Noblesse (Roy 18.B.22)66 : He shulde..deliver out of prison a gret nombre of yong men of werre of Cartage..and he shulde goo frank and quite.
- 1481 Caxton Reynard [OD col.] (Caxton)41 : He..was all free and franke of alle his enemyes.
c
- a1400 Usages Win.(Win-HRO W/A3/1)p.52 : Non ne shal makye fraunk, who þat euere hald in hys hows [etc.].