%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 ]