Law. [f. FRANK a.2 + CHASE sb.] Free chase: see quot. 1641 and CHASE sb.1 2.
1587. Harrison, England, II. xix. (1877), I. 310. The franke chase, which taketh something both of parke and forrest, and is giuen either by the kings grant or prescription.
[1594. Crompton, Jurisdict., E. 1. Trespas F. 239. Le ley de franke chase est, etc.]
1641. Termes de la Ley, 167. Franke chase is a liberty of Frank chase, by which all men having land within this compasse are prohibited to cut downe the wood, or discover, &c. without the view of the Forester, although it be his owne.
c. 1645. Howell, Lett., IV. xvi. (1655), 39. None but the King can have a forest; If he chance to passe one over to a Subject, ’tis no more Forest, but frank Chase.
