branks

English

Etymology

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

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /bɹæŋks/

Noun

branks pl (plural only)

  1. (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
This article is issued from Wiktionary. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.