(usually in the plural) A metal bridle formerly used as a torture device to hold the head of a scold and restrain the tongue.

(obsolete, UK, Scotland, dialect, usually in the plural) A sort of bridle with wooden side pieces.

(UK, dialect) Buckwheat.

To put someone in the branks.

(UK, Scotland, dialect) To hold up and toss the head; applied to horses as spurning the bit.

(Scotland) To prance; to caper.