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

Mr. Andrews, in the book referred to, gives engravings of a dozen or more different kinds of branks and bridles which can now be seen in England and Scotland.

From The Olden Time Series, Vol. 5: Some Strange and Curious Punishments Gleanings Chiefly from Old Newspapers of Boston and Salem, Massachusetts by Brooks, Henry M. (Henry Mason)

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

In Yorkshire, we have only seen two branks.

From Bygone Punishments by Andrews, William

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