a privilege of a public nature conferred on an individual, group, or company by a government

a franchise to operate a bus system.

the right or license granted by a company to an individual or group to market its products or services in a specific territory.

a store, restaurant, or other business operating under such a license.

the territory over which such a license extends.

the right to vote

to guarantee the franchise of every citizen.

a privilege arising from the grant of a sovereign or government, or from prescription, which presupposes a grant.

Sports Slang . a player of great talent or popular appeal, considered vitally important to a team's success or future.

a legal immunity or exemption from a particular burden, exaction, or the like.

Obsolete . freedom, esp. from imprisonment, servitude, or moral restraint.

to grant (an individual, company, etc.) a franchise

The corporation has just franchised our local dealer.

enfranchise.

noun

authorization , ballot , charter , exemption , freedom , immunity , patent , prerogative , privilege , suffrage , vote , grant , license , permission , right , team , territory