The Etymology of Franchise
The word 'franchise' exists because the Franks conquered Gaul. The Germanic tribe that gave France its name also gave the French language its word for freedom: 'franc' (free), because in Frankish-ruled territory, only Franks enjoyed full legal liberty. 'Franchise' meant a freedom or privilege — first applied to political rights (the franchise = the right to vote) and later to commercial licences (a franchise = authorised use of a brand). The same root produced 'frank' (candid, as in 'speaking freely'), the French currency 'franc' (originally a coin inscribed 'Francorum Rex,' King of the Franks), and 'enfranchise' (to grant freedom or voting rights). The fact that a McDonald's licence and universal suffrage share a name traces back to a 5th-century invasion.