A
scold's bridle, sometimes called a
witch's bridle, a
gossip's bridle, a
brank's bridle, or simply
branks,
[1] was an instrument of punishment, as a form of
public humiliation.
[2] It was an iron muzzle in an iron framework that enclosed the head (although some bridles were masks that depicted suffering). A
bridle-bit (or curb-plate), about 5 cm × 2.5 cm (2 in × 1 in) in size, was slid into the mouth and pressed down on top of the tongue, often with a spike on the tongue, as a compress. It functioned to silence the wearer from speaking entirely, to prevent the women from nagging. The scold's bridle was used on women.
[3] This prevented speaking and resulted in many unpleasant side effects for the wearer, including excessive
salivationand fatigue in the mouth. For extra humiliation, a bell could also be attached to draw in crowds. The wearer was then led around town by a leash.[
citation needed]
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