Franking vs. Pranking — What's the Difference?

Franking comprises all devices, markings, or combinations thereof ("franks") applied to mails of any class which qualifies them to be postally serviced. Types of franks include uncanceled and precanceled postage stamps (both adhesive and printed on postal stationery), impressions applied via postage meter (via so-called "postage evidencing systems"), official use "Penalty" franks, Business Reply Mail (BRM), and other permit Imprints (Indicia), manuscript and facsimile "franking privilege" signatures, "soldier's mail" markings, and any other forms authorized by the 192 postal administrations that are members of the Universal Postal Union.

To decorate or dress ostentatiously or gaudily

Open and sincere in expression; straightforward

Present participle of prank

Clearly manifest; evident

(archaic) A showy adornment.

To put an official mark on (a piece of mail) so that it can be sent free of charge.

(archaic) The playing of pranks; tomfoolery.

To send (mail) free of charge.

To place a stamp or mark on (a piece of mail) to show the payment of postage.

To enable (a person) to come and go freely.

A mark or signature placed on a piece of mail to indicate the right to send it free of charge.

The right to send mail free.

A franked piece of mail.

(countable) A device or marking such as postage stamp, printed or stamped impressions, codings, labels, manuscript writings, or any other authorized form of markings affixed or applied to mails to qualify them to be postally serviced.

A corporate tax system in which some or all of the tax paid by a company may be attributed, or imputed, to the shareholders by way of a tax credit to reduce the income tax payable on a distribution.

Present participle of frank

A method of forming a joint at the intersection of window-sash bars, by cutting away only enough wood to show a miter.