1. the act or process of marking mail with an official stamp or signature to show that postage has been paid
Usage: chiefly historical or formal
2. a mark, stamp, or signature on mail indicating that postage has been paid
Usage: chiefly historical
3. in Australia, a system allowing shareholders to claim tax credits for corporate income tax paid by a company on dividends
Usage: finance, Australian English

1. to mark (mail) with an official stamp or signature to show that postage has been paid
Usage: chiefly historical

Examples

• The letter bore the franking of the royal mail service.
• In the 18th century, members of Parliament could frank their correspondence without paying postage.
• The envelope was franked with a red stamp indicating prepaid postage.
• The postal clerk franked each package before it left the office.
• Franking credits allow Australian investors to reduce their tax liability.
• The old documents showed various frankings from different postal periods.