The Branks or Scold's Bridle

The Punishment
A Scold's Bridle, sometimes called a Branks, was an iron muzzle or cage for the head with an iron “curb-plate” (often spiked) projecting into the mouth and pressing down on top of the tongue.  

​While wearing the bridle the woman would be led through town as an example to others and to further her humiliation.​

The Crimes
The courts in Scotland inflicted it upon poor women that were considered to be naggers, gossips or scolds.