Definitions
from The Century Dictionary.
- An instrument formerly used in parts of England and Scotland for correcting scolding women; a scolding-bridle.
- A sort of bridle for horses and cows.
- The mumps.
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.
- noun a
punishment device, especially for scolding women, consisting of acage to enclose the head, with a metalgag for the mouth
Etymologies
from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License
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Examples
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The word branchs, (pronounced "branks") in prosobranchs, means 'gill'.
Mollusca 2007
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So, if I happen to say that branks monkey sagas have spilled onto the pavement alligators aware, just, you know, back away very slowly.
January 23rd, 2006 mariness 2006
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Adultery carried a death sentence, while lesser crimes could be punished by the likes of the branks.
Fleshmarket Close Rankin, Ian 2004
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It was harnessed in the most simple manner, with a pair of branks, a hair tether, or halter, and a sunk, or cushion of straw, instead of bridle and saddle.
Old Mortality 2004
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“Head cages” are far rarer and also more extreme: There are steel varieties that consist of strips welded together to form a cage in the shape of the head these metal cages are also known as “branks”.
Come Hither Dr. Gloria G. Brame 2000
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“Head cages” are far rarer and also more extreme: There are steel varieties that consist of strips welded together to form a cage in the shape of the head these metal cages are also known as “branks”.
Come Hither Dr. Gloria G. Brame 2000
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“Head cages” are far rarer and also more extreme: There are steel varieties that consist of strips welded together to form a cage in the shape of the head these metal cages are also known as “branks”.
Come Hither Dr. Gloria G. Brame 2000
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As cheeks o 'branks. [sides of an ox's bridle]' Guid-een, 'quo' I; 'Friend! hae ye been mawin, [Good-evening, mowing]
Robert Burns How To Know Him William Allan Neilson 1907
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There are some excellent drawings of branks, and full descriptions of their use, in Mr. Andrews's _Bygone Punishments_.
Vanishing England 1892
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You may still see some fearsome branks in museums.
Vanishing England 1892
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