Franco, Francisco
Pronunciation: /ˈfraŋkəʊ/
Definition of Franco, Francisco
- (1892–1975), Spanish general and dictator, head of state 1939–75. Leader of the Nationalists in the Civil War, in 1937 Franco became head of the Falange Party and proclaimed himself Caudillo (‘leader’) of Spain. With the defeat of the republic in 1939, he took control of the government and established a dictatorship that ruled Spain until his death.