Hypertext Webster Gateway: "Branks"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Brank \Brank\, Branks \Branks\, n. [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.
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