Franking

Privilege of officials of a government or members of a legislature to send matter through the mails free. Established in England 1660, abolished 1840. In the U. S. it was granted by the Continental Congre to private soldiers, and it has been variously extended and restricted and superseded by official stamps and penalty envelopes. The act of 1891 allowed Members of Congre free use of the mails under their frank to any Government officer when addre ed officially.