branding iron

noun

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.

Origin of branding iron

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Also called brand.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for branding iron

Historical Examples of branding iron

The branding-iron must be, if not quite red-hot, very nearly so.
Ranching, Sport and Travel
Thomas Carson
With a knife and a branding-iron they can be disarmed for ever.
The Last of the Legions and Other Tales of Long Ago
Arthur Conan Doyle
It seared Georg like a branding-iron on the flesh of his arm as it swung past.
Tarrano the Conqueror
Raymond King Cummings
The overwhelming relief in her face, burned into Wade's soul like a branding-iron.
Hidden Gold
Wilder Anthony
Often the branding-iron of vain regret had seared her quivering heart.
The Following of the Star
Florence L. Barclay