branks

American  

[brangks] / bræŋks /

noun

(used with a plural verb)

1. Sometimes brank a device consisting of a headpiece with a flat, iron bit to restrain the tongue, formerly used to punish scolds.

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branks British  

/ bræŋks /

plural noun

1. (formerly) an iron bridle used to restrain scolding women

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Etymology

Origin of branks

1585–95; perhaps to be identified with Middle English bernak “bridle, snaffle”; see barnacle ²

Example Sentences

Its parent company, Rossiya Segodnya, is responsible for state news agency RIA Novosti and news branks like Sputnik, CNN reported.

From Salon • Sep. 17, 2024

But if the beast an' branks be spar'd Till kye be gaun without the herd, And a' the vittel in the yard, An' theekit right, I mean your ingle-side to guard Ae winter night.

From Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Burns, Robert

Dr. T. N. Brushfield described in an exhaustive manner all the Cheshire branks, in an able paper read before the Architectural, Archæological, and Historic Society of Chester, and published in 1858.

From Bygone Punishments by Andrews, William

I’ll be in Dumfries the morn gif the beast be to the fore, and the branks bide hale.

From The Complete Works of Robert Burns: Containing his Poems, Songs, and Correspondence. With a New Life of the Poet, and Notices, Critical and Biographical by Allan Cunningham by Burns, Robert

They'll need to stand on a baikie that put the branks on him.

From The House with the Green Shutters by Brown, George Douglas