Franklin

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfræŋklɪn/

Origin

From Middle English frankelein ("freeholder"), from Anglo-Norman fraunclein ("a landowner of free, but not noble birth"), from fraunc ("free"), from Frankish *Frank ("freeman") + -lein ("-ling"), from Frankish *-linc ("-ling"), from Proto-Germanic *-lingaz. Cognate with Old High German Franko ("Frank"), Old High German -ling ("-ling"). More at frank, -ling.

Full definition of franklin

Noun

1. obsolete except historical A freeholder, especially as belonging to a class of landowners in the 14th and 15th century ranking below the gentry.