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

“Your armour gude ye maunna shaw,Nor ance appear like men o weir;As country lads be all arrayd,Wi branks and brecham on ilk mare.”

From A Collection of Ballads by Lang, Andrew

I'll hae the branks of love thrown over the heads o' the twasome, tie the tangs thegither, and then let them gallop like twa kippled grews.

From The Shepherd's Calendar Volume I (of II) by Hogg, James

In Yorkshire, we have only seen two branks.

From Bygone Punishments by Andrews, William

It was harnessed in the most simple manner, with a pair of branks, a hair tether, or halter, and a sunk, or cushion of straw, instead of bridle and saddle.

From Old Mortality, Volume 1. by Scott, Walter, Sir