To set free from slavery or servitude; to grant freedom or rights to someone previously enslaved or restricted.
From Old French enfranchir, from en- (make) + franc (free). Related to 'franchise' and 'frank.' The 'eff-' prefix is a variant of 'en-' used before certain letters.
This word shows how 'franchise' (a business term) and 'effranchise' (a freedom term) share roots—both involve granting rights or authority, whether to vote, own land, or run a business under another's name.
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