noun
- Plural of franklin: a medieval English landowner of good social standing but not of noble birth.
Usage: historical; chiefly British
Examples
- The franklins of the shire gathered to discuss local governance.
- In Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, a franklin is portrayed as a prosperous and hospitable landowner.
- Medieval franklins occupied a middle rank between peasants and nobility.
- The franklins owned substantial estates and wielded considerable influence in their communities.
- Historical records show that franklins often served as justices of the peace.