• (n.) A sort of bridle with wooden side pieces. • (n.) A scolding bridle, an instrument formerly used for correcting scolding women. It was an iron frame surrounding the head and having a triangular piece entering the mouth of the scold.
Found on
http://thinkexist.com/dictionary/meaning/branks/
1. A sort of bridle with wooden side pieces. ... 2. A scolding bridle, an instrument formerly used for correcting scolding women. It was an iron frame surrounding the head and having a triangular piece entering the mouth of the scold. ... Origin: Cf. Gael. Brangus, brangas, a sort of pillory, Ir. Brancas halter, or D. Pranger fetter. ... Source: We...
Found on
http://www.encyclo.co.uk/local/20973
A branks was a kind of bridle constructed of iron bands, acting as a gag, formerly used in England and Scotland as an instrument of punishment for scolds and slanderous women. The culprit was paraded through the streets by the bellman, beadle, or constable, or chained to the market cross where she was exposed to public ridicule.
Found on
http://www.probertencyclopaedia.com/browse/AB.HTM
a device consisting of a headpiece with a flat, iron bit to restrain the tongue, formerly used to punish scolds.
Found on
https://www.infoplease.com/dictionary/branks
No exact match found.
