[frang-koh; Sp. frahng-kaw] 
Francisco, (Francisco Paulino Hermenegildo Teódulo Franco-Bahamonde; “El Caudillo” ), 1892–1975, Spanish military leader and dictator: chief of state 1939–47; regent of the kingdom of Spain 1947–75. |
| a combining form representing French or France: Francophile; Franco-Prussian. |
| Fran·co (frāng'kō, fräng'-) Spanish soldier and political leader who directed the Nationalist government and rebel armed forces that defeated the Republicans in the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). He ruled as dictator (1939-1975) until his death, upon which the Bourbon monarchy was restored. |