Brank, 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.
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.
© Webster 1913.