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branks

branks
B b

Transcription

    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [brangks]
    • /bræŋks/
    • US Pronunciation
    • US IPA
    • [brangks]
    • /bræŋks/

Definitions of branks word

  • noun plural branks (formerly) an iron bridle used to restrain scolding women 3
  • noun branks Sometimes, brank. a device consisting of a headpiece with a flat, iron bit to restrain the tongue, formerly used to punish scolds. 1
  • verb without object branks to hold up and toss the head, as a horse when spurning the bit or prancing. 1
  • verb without object branks to bridle; restrain. 1
  • noun branks (plural only) a punishment device, especially for scolding women, consisting of a cage to enclose the head, with a metal gag for the mouth. 0

Information block about the term

Origin of branks

First appearance:

before 1585
One of the 35% oldest English words
1585-95; perhaps to be identified with Middle English bernak “bridle, snaffle”; see barnacle2

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Branks

noun
adjective
verb
adverb
pronoun
preposition
conjunction
determiner
exclamation

branks popularity

A pretty common term. Usually people know it’s meaning, but prefer to use a more spread out synonym. About 55% of English native speakers know the meaning and use word.
According to our data about 60% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

branks usage trend in Literature

This diagram is provided by Google Ngram Viewer

See also

Matching words

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