branks

[ brangks ]

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.

Origin of branks

1
1585–95; perhaps to be identified with Middle English bernak “bridle, snaffle”; see barnacle2

Words Nearby branks

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How to use branks in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for branks

branks

/ (bræŋks) /


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

Origin of branks

1
C16: of unknown origin

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