franchise

The right to vote at a public election or referendum; see: suffrage.

A right or privilege officially granted to a person, a group of people, or a company by a government.

a. 1872, William H. Seward, debate Election by universal suffrage, as modified by the Constitution, is the one crowning franchise of the American people.

An acknowledgment of a corporation's existence and ownership.

The authorization granted by a company to sell or distribute its goods or services in a certain area.

McDonald’s has exported its franchise.

A business operating under such authorization, a franchisee.

To confer certain powers on; grant a franchise to; authorize.

In a Commons Written Reply to Shadow Rail Minister Tan Dhesi, regarding any assessment of the impact on open access operators by the decision to move away from franchising […], Heaton-Harris highlighted that non-franchised operators run trains without a contractual relationship with Government.

To set free; invest with a franchise or privilege; enfranchise.

To give to others the rights to sell or distribute (goods or services).

The ad originators are planning to franchise the campaign to gay groups all across the country.

This winter, there is a diverse buffet of movies for you to choose from. Most people order the widely franchised cheeseburger because of its biggie-sized portion, its reliably adequate flavor, and its bright, attractive packaging. Don’t get me wrong; on opening day, I’ll be sitting in the front row savoring the cheeseburgery deliciousness of “Quantum of Solace” and “Twilight.” But after the initial cinematic hunger subsides, the diner, like myself, who craves a heartier meal, will take a second trip through the buffet line and search for a meal with a more complex flavor and memorable substance.