brank

1 of 2

intransitive verb

ˈbraŋk
-ed/-ing/-s
dialectal, British

brank

2 of 2

noun

"
plural -s
1
a
: an instrument consisting of an iron frame surrounding the head and a sharp metal bit or gag entering the mouth formerly used to punish scolds

called also scold's bridle

usually used in plural
b
branks plural, now chiefly Scottish : a bridle or halter for horses or cows
2
branks plural, Scottish : mumps

Word History

Etymology

Intransitive verb

Middle English branken

Noun

origin unknown

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Dictionary Entries Near brank

Cite this Entry

“Brank.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/brank. Accessed 14 Dec. 2024.

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