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

In Yorkshire, we have only seen two branks.

From Bygone Punishments by Andrews, William

Several branks are still in existence in Staffordshire.

From Curious Punishments of Bygone Days by Earle, Alice Morse

Mumps, or branks, is a contagious inflammation of the parotis and maxillary glands, and has generally been classed under the word Cynanche or Angina, to which it bears no analogy.

From Zoonomia, Vol. II Or, the Laws of Organic Life by Darwin, Erasmus

While specially known as the “Gossip’s or Scold’s Bridle” the branks was also used for women convicted of petty offences, breaches of the peace, street-brawling and abusive language.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Slice 4 "Bradford, William" to "Brequigny, Louis" by Various