BRANK Meaning and
Definition
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Brank, a noun, refers to a form of punishment or a device used to restrain the head and neck of an individual, typically in order to humiliate or expose them to ridicule. The brank was historically employed as a means of punishment for gossiping, nagging, or other forms of verbal misconduct, primarily targeting women. Also known as the "scold's bridle" or "branks," this device would consist of an iron framework that enclosed the head, with a bridle or gag that would fit into the mouth and restrain the wearer from speaking. The brank was often attached to a post or publicly displayed, where the wearer would be subjected to ridicule and scorn from passersby.
The purpose of the brank was to inflict shame and social humiliation upon the wearer, acting as a form of public chastisement for disruptive or morally unacceptable behavior. The brank was primarily used in medieval Europe during the 16th to the 18th centuries, though variations of this punishment existed in other cultures and time periods as well. Its usage declined as societies evolved and moved away from physical punishments towards more humane and egalitarian forms of justice.
Today, the term "brank" can also refer to a particular type of bit used in horse riding. The brank bit, also known as a bridle bit, is a metal mouthpiece used to control a horse's movements and direction. It is designed to fit into the horse's mouth and is attached to the reins, enabling the rider to steer and control the horse's actions.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for BRANK
- hrank
- bfank
- btank
- b5ank
- b4ank
- brznk
- brsnk
- brwnk
- brqnk
- bramk
- brajk
- brahk
- vbrank
- bvrank
- nbrank
- bnrank
- hbrank
- bhrank
- gbrank
Etymology of BRANK
The word "brank" has an interesting and complex etymology. Its origins can be traced back to Old English and Middle English, with multiple related words contributing to its development.
In Old English, the word "branc" or "brenc" referred to a piece of metal chiefly used as a bit or curb placed in the mouth of a horse to control it. This term is derived from Proto-Germanic "brankaz", meaning a device for restraining or controlling. The Old Norse equivalent was "brandr".
Over time, the meaning of "branc" expanded to include various forms of punishment and restraint. In Middle English, it started referring to a metal device used to hold an accused person by the head, either as a form of punishment or for public humiliation. This new sense evolved through Anglo-Norman and Middle French influences, as the term "branc" was also used in these languages.
Similar spelling words for BRANK
- brunk,
- Brunke,
- bronco,
- broncho,
- Branson,
- brannock,
- Brinks,
- bronc,
- brong,
- bruns,
- branch,
- Brinkley,
- bring,
- branigan,
- Brunson,
- brunch,
- brinson,
- brunjes,
- branco,
- Bronson,
- bronx,
- branchy,
- brink,
- bronze,
- bronzed,
- brinkman,
- brinjal,
- bronk,
- brenes,
- bronzy,
- branche,
- brinker.
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