1. Device or marking such as postage stamp, printed or stamped impressions, codings, labels, manuscript writings, or any other authorized form of markings affixed or applied to mails to qualify them to be postally serviced
   "Prior to the establishment of the UPU in 1874, international mails sometimes bore mixed franking before the world's postal services universally agreed to deliver international mails bearing only the franking of the country of origin";
   - frank

1. Stamp with a postmark to indicate date and time of mailing
   "The post office franked all outgoing letters";
   - postmark
    
2. Exempt by means of an official pass or letter, as from customs or other checks
   "The diplomat's luggage was franked at the border"

Derived forms: frankings

Type of: excuse, exempt, let off, mark, marker, marking, relieve, stamp

Encyclopedia: Franking