(frangk′lin) noun
In late medieval England, a freeholder; a non-noble landholder ranking below the gentry. [ME frankeleyn <Med. L francus free]

(frangk′lin), Benjamin,
1706–90, American patriot, writer, scientist, and diplomat; signer of the Declaration of Independence.
—Sir John,
1786–1847, English Arctic explorer.

(frangk′lin)
1. A temporary state, 1784–88, comprising lands of western North Carolina ceded to Congress in 1784; now part of eastern Tennessee.
2. The northernmost district of Northwest Territories, Canada; 541,753 square miles.