1. A landowner (14th and 15th centuries) who was free but not of noble birth
   "The franklin hosted a grand feast for the entire village"

1. Printer whose success as an author led him to take up politics; he helped draw up the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution; he played a major role in the American Revolution and negotiated French support for the colonists; as a scientist he is remembered particularly for his research in electricity (1706-1790)
   - Benjamin Franklin
    
2. United States historian noted for studies of Black American history (1915-2009)
   - John Hope Franklin

Derived forms: franklins

Type of: American Revolutionary leader, author, historian, historiographer, landholder, landowner, printer, property owner, scientist, writer

Encyclopedia: Franklin, North Carolina