v. Obs. Also 6 fraunge. [? onomatopœic; cf. craunch.] trans. To devour. intr. To feed greedily (on). Hence Franching ppl. a. Also Francher, a devourer.
1519. 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.
| Wherethrough a Swan, a Bull and Bore dyd passe, | |
| Fraunchyng the fysh and frye, with teeth of brasse. |
1576. Turberv., Venerie, 358.
| I graunte to bothe, and he that hath the powre, | |
| To feede on fishe that sweeter were than sowre, | |
| And had yong fleshe to banquet at his fill, | |
| Were fonde to fraunshe on garbage, graynes or swyll. |
1625–6. Purchas, Pilgrimes, IV. 1579. They cast of them also to flesh fraunching Dogs, which tare them and deuoured them.
