BRANKS

Etymology

Origin uncertain; perhaps related to German Pranger, Dutch prang.

Noun

branks (plural branks)

(historical) A punishment device, especially for scolding women, consisting of a cage to enclose the head, with a metal gag for the mouth; a scold's bridle.

Source: Wiktionary

Brank, Branks, n. Etym: [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.

BRANK

Brank, n. Etym: [Prov. of Celtic origin; cf. L. brance, brace, the Gallic name of a particularly white kind of corn.]

Definition: Buckwheat. [Local, Eng.] Halliwell.

Brank, Branks, n. Etym: [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.

Brank, v. i.

1. To hold up and toss the head; -- applied to horses as spurning the bit. [Scot. & Prov. Eng.]

2. To prance; to caper. [Scot.] Jamieson.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition