† franch, fraunch, v. Obs.
Also 6 fraunge.
[? onomatopœic; cf. craunch.]
trans. To devour. intr. To feed greedily (on). Hence ˈfranching ppl. a. Also ˈfrancher, a devourer.
| 1519 W. Horman Vulg. 39 b, He is euer fraunchynge. Ibid. 71 Thou arte a rauenar of delicates and a francher. 1541 R. Copland Guydon's Quest. Chirurg. M iij, People gullyng, fraungyng, and dronkerds. 1563 Mirr. Mag., Ld. Rivers lxviii, A Bull and Bore dyd passe, Fraunchyng the fysh and frye, with teeth of brasse. 1575 Turbervile Bk. Venerie 358 He that..had yong fleshe to banquet at his fill Were fonde to fraunshe on garbage, graynes or swyll. 1625–6 Purchas Pilgrims IV. 1579 They cast of them also to flesh fraunching Dogs. |