1.
1600s - The Brank (sometimes called the Scold's Bridle) was mainly used on scolding housewives; hence its name. A metal
'gag' , often enhanced with spikes to discourage attempts to speak, fit into the mouth of the woman. Sometimes a chain was
attached to the brank so the husband could secure her when in public. Occasionally a bell was added on a spring to further
humiliate.

2.
The Branks, or Scold's Bridle, is a sort of metal gag, which was principally used on scolding housewives. It was typically
fashioned as a cage that locked onto the head, aided by a metal protrusion that fit into the mouth. This tongue-piece was often
enhanced with spikes or a rowel (small spiked wheel) to discourage attempts to speak. They appear to have originated in
Scotland in the 16th century and passed from there to England and thence to the Americas, although there is some evidence
that a type of branks may have been used even earlier. Some were also fitted with a chain to permit securing the wearer in a
public place. Ancient houses in Congleton, Cheshire had a hook fixed beside the fireplace to which the town gaoler could fix the
community bridle if the wife nagged too much. Occasionally a bell on a spring was added to herald the approach of the wearer.
Branks were also used to silence witches to prevent them from chanting or reciting their magic spells. In the Americas, the
branks were a type of humiliation punishment, while in medieval Europe, they were used more as a torture device.