Frank, a. [Compar Franker; superl. Frankest.]
Etymology: [F. franc free, frank, L. Francus a Frank, fr. OHG. Franko the name of a Germanic people on the Rhine, who afterward founded the French monarchy; cf. AS. franca javelin, Icel. frakka. Cf. Franc, French, a., Franchise, n.]
1. Unbounded by restrictions, limitations, etc.; free. [R.] "It is of frank gift." Spenser.
2. Free in uttering one's real sentiments; not reserved; using no disguise; candid; ingenuous; as, a frank nature, conversation, manner, etc.
3. Liberal; generous; profuse. [Obs.] Frank of civilities that cost them nothing. L'Estrange.
4. Unrestrained; loose; licentious; -- used in a bad sense. Spenser.
1 more senses
Syn. -- Ingenuous; candid; artless; plain; open; unreserved; undisguised; sincere. See Candid, Ingenuous.
6 other Webster entries under this spelling
Frank, n.
A pigsty. [Obs.]
Frank, v. t.
To shut up in a frank or sty; to pen up; hence, to cram; to fatten. [Obs.] Shak.
Frank, n. (Zoöl.)
The common heron; -- so called from its note. [Prov. Eng.]
Frank, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Franked; p. pr. & vb. n. Franking.]
1. To send by public conveyance free of expense. Dickens.
2. To extempt from charge for postage, as a letter, package, or packet, etc.
Frank, n.
The privilege of sending letters or other mail matter, free of postage, or without charge; also, the sign, mark, or signature denoting that a letter or other mail matter is to free of postage. I have said so much, that, if I had not a frank, I must burn my letter and begin again. Cowper.
Frank, n.
1. (Ethnol.)
A member of one of the German tribes that in the fifth century overran and conquered Gaul, and established the kingdom of France.
2. A native or inhabitant of Western Europe; a European; -- a term used in the Levant.
3. A French coin. See Franc.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for frank; he lists it under bluff, candid, honest.
Where he writes about it:
Bluff is a word of good meaning, as are frank and open. — from bluff
Fair is applied to the conduct; candid is not; as, fair treatment, "a fair field, and no favor." One who is frank has a fearless and unconstrained truthfulness. — from candid
As truth is not always agreeable or timely, candid and frank have often an objectionable sense; "to be candid with you," "to be perfectly frank," are regarded as sure preludes to something disagreeable. — from candid