Emily Dickinson Lexicon

BRANK, n. [So named probably from its joints, breaks. “Galliæ quoque suum genus farris dedere; quod illic brance vocant, apud nos sandalum nitidissimi grani.” – Plin. 18. 7.]

1. Buckwheat, a species of Polygonum; a grain cultivated mostly for beasts and poultry; but in the United States, the flour is much used for making breakfast cakes.
2. In some parts of England and Scotland, a scolding-bridle, an instrument for correcting scolding women. It consists of a head-piece, which incloses the head of the offender, and of a sharp iron which enters the mouth and restrains the tongue. – Plott. Encyc.