请输入您要查询的英文单词:

 

单词 branks
释义

Definition of branks in English:

branks

plural noun braŋksbraNGks
historical
  • An instrument of punishment for a scolding woman, consisting of an iron framework for the head and a sharp metal gag for restraining the tongue.

    Example sentencesExamples
    • As punishment, the branks was locked about the women's heads to humiliate them and teach them their place.
    • The branks were also padlocked on women convicted of witchcraft and condemned to die at the stake - but for a different reason.
    • In the Americas, the branks were a type of humiliation punishment, while in medieval Europe, they were used more as a torture device.
    • These branks and the stocks are examples of implements of corporal punishment used in early modern Glasgow.
    • I am glad John Winthorp and John Carver did not bring cumbrous and cruel iron branks to America.

Origin

Mid 16th century: origin uncertain; compare with German Pranger 'a pillory or bit for a horse' and Dutch prang 'a fetter'; also with late Middle English barnacle(s), denoting a powerful bit for restraining a horse.

 
 

Definition of branks in US English:

branks

plural nounbraNGks
historical
  • An instrument of punishment for a scolding woman, consisting of an iron framework for the head and a sharp metal gag for restraining the tongue.

    Example sentencesExamples
    • The branks were also padlocked on women convicted of witchcraft and condemned to die at the stake - but for a different reason.
    • As punishment, the branks was locked about the women's heads to humiliate them and teach them their place.
    • I am glad John Winthorp and John Carver did not bring cumbrous and cruel iron branks to America.
    • These branks and the stocks are examples of implements of corporal punishment used in early modern Glasgow.
    • In the Americas, the branks were a type of humiliation punishment, while in medieval Europe, they were used more as a torture device.

Origin

Mid 16th century: origin uncertain; compare with German Pranger ‘a pillory or bit for a horse’ and Dutch prang ‘a fetter’; also with late Middle English barnacle(s), denoting a powerful bit for restraining a horse.

 
 
随便看

 

英语词典包含464360条英英释义在线翻译词条,基本涵盖了全部常用单词的英英翻译及用法,是英语学习的有利工具。

 

Copyright © 2004-2022 Newdu.com All Rights Reserved
更新时间:2025/2/5 1:24:35