branding iron

American  

noun

1. a long-handled metal rod with a stamp at one end, used for branding livestock, especially cattle, with a registered or recognized symbol or character to indicate ownership.

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Etymology

Origin of branding iron

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

As city librarian, he insisted that all Angelenos be allowed to use its collection and discouraged book theft by using a branding iron to burn “LA PUB LIBRARY” into books’ edges.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 19, 2022

There is a branding iron, a snake hook and an old chuck wagon dinner bell.

From Washington Times • Jun. 7, 2019

But when you brand yourself 24/7/365, there’s a risk: The brand may start to feel like a branding iron.

From Washington Post • Feb. 18, 2017

Chloé makes much of the fact that it has no curlicue C logo or other branding iron to stamp its product and, by extension, its clientele.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2016

Blue skies stood tall and far, the sun like a branding iron searing the back of your neck.

From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini