1fran·chise 
/ˈfrænˌtʃaɪz/ noun
plural fran·chis·es /ˈfrænˌtʃaɪz/ noun [count] 1 : the right to sell a company's goods or services in a particular area
▪ She was granted an exclusive franchise in the city's west end. ; also : a business that is given such a right
▪ They just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street. 2 : the right to vote
▪ The U.S. did not extend the franchise to women until the early 20th century. 3 US, sports : a team that is a member of a professional sports league
▪ He's the best player in the history of the franchise. ◊In U.S. and Canadian English, a franchise player is the best and most important player on a particular professional sports team.
▪ She was granted an exclusive franchise in the city's west end. ; also : a business that is given such a right
▪ They just opened a new fast-food franchise down the street.
▪ The U.S. did not extend the franchise to women until the early 20th century.
▪ He's the best player in the history of the franchise. ◊In U.S. and Canadian English, a franchise player is the best and most important player on a particular professional sports team.
