the name by which the Turks, Greeks, Arabs, &c., designate a Christian. It probably originated during the crusades, in which the French (descendants of the German Franks) particularly distinguished themselves. Europe itself, too, was named Frankistan, or the country of the Franks.

The Frank language, Lingua Franca, is a jargon which is spoken in the Levant, as the common medium of communication between Europeans and the inhabitants of the East. Its chief ingredient is Italian, and it probably originated during the crusades, which brought so many different nations together.