Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Branks
{
Brank
,Branks
, }Noun.
[Cf. Gael.
brangus
, brangas
, a sort of pillory, Ir. brancas
halter, or D. pranger
fetter.] 1.
A sort of bridle with wooden side pieces.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
Jamieson.
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.
Definition 2024
branks
branks
English
Noun
branks pl (plural only)
- (plural only) a punishment device, especially for scolding women, consisting of a cage to enclose the head, with a metal gag for the mouth
- 1836: Plot, in his History of Staffordshire, describes the branks used at Newcastle-under-Lyme, and at Walsall, in the reign of James II. — The Gentleman's Magazine, July 1836 p.98