branks

1 definition found

branks - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]