Brank (?), n. [Prov. of Celtic origin; cf. L. brance, brace, the Gallic name of a particularly white kind of corn.]
Buckwheat.
[Local, Eng.]
Halliwell.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.