FRANKLIN Meaning and
Definition
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A franklin is a term that historically refers to a free landowner or tenant farmer, belonging to the lower nobility in medieval England. Originating in the early 13th century, the term "franklin" was derived from the Old French word "franclin" and the Latin word "Francus," meaning a free or liberal person. Franklins held an intermediate social status between the nobility and the laboring classes, and therefore enjoyed certain privileges.
A franklin typically owned and cultivated a small farm, often considered to be of moderate wealth and status. They were known for their independent and self-sufficient lifestyle, as they were neither bound by serfdom nor directly connected to the aristocracy. Franklins were important contributors to their local communities, taking part in local governance and serving as jurors or representatives in manorial courts.
The social and legal status of franklins evolved over time; eventually, the term came to refer more broadly to any landowning country gentleman of non-noble birth. Their economic prosperity varied greatly as well, with some franklins being quite affluent and others living more modestly. Despite the shifting social dynamics, the term "franklin" continued to signify someone who possessed substantial independence and landownership, embodying a sense of personal freedom and authority within their local community.
Top Common Misspellings for FRANKLIN *
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Other Common Misspellings for FRANKLIN
Etymology of FRANKLIN
The word "franklin" has an interesting etymology. It comes from the Middle English word "frankelen", which derives from the Old French word "franc" meaning "free" or "not feudal" and the suffix "-ling", indicating a person belonging to a particular quality or class. In medieval England, a franklin was a free landowner who was not of noble birth but owned a substantial farm or estate. Over time, the term came to be associated with a member of the gentry class or a prosperous landowner.
Similar spelling words for FRANKLIN
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- Franz Kline,
- frank,
- frankel.
