franchise
//ˈfræn.tʃaɪz//
Noun
An authorization granted by a company to an individual or group to sell or distribute its goods or services in a particular area
She bought a franchise to open a coffee shop in her hometown.
A business operating under such an authorization
She opened a franchise of a popular coffee chain in her hometown.
The right to vote in public elections
Women fought for decades to gain the franchise.
A professional sports team that is a member of a league
The city was awarded a new baseball franchise.
A series of related creative works, such as films, books, or games, that share the same fictional universe or characters
The Marvel franchise has produced dozens of interconnected superhero films.
Verb
To grant a franchise to someone or a business
The company decided to franchise its successful restaurant concept to independent operators.