Branks

An Instrument of punishment formerly made use of in some parts of England for the correction of scolds, which it was said to do so effectually and so very safely that it was looked upon by Dr. Plotts, in his History of Staffordshire (page 389), "as much to be preferred to the duckingstool, which not only endangered the health of the party, but also gives the tongue liberty 'twixt every dip, to neither of which is this liable. It brings such a bridle for the tongue as not only quite deprives them of speech, but brings shame for the transgression and humiliation thereupon before it is taken off." BRASS KNUCKLES (or KNUCKS).. A weapon consisting of metal covering part of the hand, and used to strike with. It was originally made of brass, and the name is now used as that of the weapon, without regard to the metal used.

3 Lea (Tenn.) 575; 3 S. W. 477.