Found 1 items, similar to Elective franchise.
English → English (gcide) Definition: Elective franchise Franchise \Fran"chise\ (? or ?; 277), n. [F., fr. franc, fem. franche, free. See Frank, a.] 1. Exemption from constraint or oppression; freedom; liberty. [Obs.] --Spenser. [1913 Webster] 2. (LAw) A particular privilege conferred by grant from a sovereign or a government, and vested in individuals; an immunity or exemption from ordinary jurisdiction; a constitutional or statutory right or privilege, esp. the right to vote. [1913 Webster] Election by universal suffrage, as modified by the Constitution, is the one crowning franchise of the American people. --W. H. Seward. [1913 Webster] 3. The district or jurisdiction to which a particular privilege extends; the limits of an immunity; hence, an asylum or sanctuary. [1913 Webster] Churches and mobasteries in Spain are franchises for criminals. --London Encyc. [1913 Webster] 4. Magnanimity; generosity; liberality; frankness; nobility. “Franchise in woman.” [Obs.] --Chaucer. [1913 Webster] Elective franchise, the privilege or right of voting in an election of public officers. [1913 Webster]