branks

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.

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