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brank

The definition of a brank was a torture device used on women who were found guilty of being noisy, prone to arguments or gossip.

(noun)

An example of a brank is a metal cage worn around a woman who gossiped in the Middle Ages.

See brank in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

a device formerly used to punish women judged to be noisy and quarrelsome, consisting of an iron curb for the tongue, held in place by a frame around the head

Origin: < ?

See brank in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A device consisting of a metal frame for the head and a bit to restrain the tongue, formerly used to punish scolds. Usually used in the plural.

Origin:

Origin: Possibly from Dutch branken, legs (of a compass, scissors, etc.)

Origin: , pl. of branke, branch

Origin: , from Late Latin branca, paw; see branch

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