Brank (?), n. [Prov. of Celtic origin; cf.
L. brance, brace, the Gallic name of a particularly white
kind of corn.] Buckwheat. [Local, Eng.] Halliwell.
Brank, v. i. 1. To hold
up and toss the head; -- applied to horses as spurning the bit.
[Scot. & Prov. Eng.]
2. To prance; to caper. [Scot.]
Jamieson.
{ 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.