n. A device consisting of a metal frame for the head and a bit to restrain the tongue, formerly used to punish scolds. [Possibly from Dutch branken, legs (of a compass, scissors, etc.), pl. of branke, branch, from Late Latin branca, paw; see BRANCH.] |
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2022 by HarperCollins Publishers. All rights reserved.