Obs. [a. OF. franchisement, franchissement, f. franchir: see FRANCHISE v.] The action of setting free or investing with a franchise; the state or fact of being enfranchised; = ENFRANCHISEMENT.
1562. Legh, Armorie (1597), 74 b. Godwina the wife of Leofricus, Duke of March, requesting of her Lorde freedome for the town of Couentre, the franchisement was graunted to her vpon condition, that shee shoulde ride naked through the same Citie.
1596. Spenser, F. Q., V. xi. 36.
| But turne we now to noble Artegall; | |
| Who hauing left Mercilla, streight way went | |
| On his first quest, the which him forth did call, | |
| To weet to worke Irenaes franchisement, | |
| And eke Grantortoes worthy punishment. |
c. 1611. Chapman, Iliad, v. 374.
| He could scarce enjoy | |
| The benefit of franchisement, the chains did so destroy | |
| His vital fores with their weight. |
1809. E. A. Kendall, Trav., I. vi. 49. Such free man; who shall stand disfranchised, till by his good behaviour the said superior court shall see cause to restore him to his franchisement or freedom again.
b. A privilege.
1779. St. Papers, in Ann. Reg., 416/1. His Christian Majesty, in making reprisals, would also limit the franchise ments of the ships of this state.
