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.

---

branks British  

/ bræŋks /

plural noun

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

---

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

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

From The Letters of Robert Burns by Burns, Robert

You may still see some fearsome branks in museums.

From Vanishing England by Ditchfield, P. H. (Peter Hampson)

To show Sir Bardie's willyart glow'r, An' how he star'd and stammer'd, When, goavin, as if led wi' branks, An' stumpin on his ploughman shanks, He in the parlour hammer'd.

From Poems and Songs of Robert Burns by Burns, Robert

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