Democratic Sentinel, Volume 19, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 14 June 1895 — PUNISHMENT FOR SCOLDS. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

PUNISHMENT FOR SCOLDS.

How Women Who Talked Too Much Were Treated. The emancipation of women from the oppression of men and from the thralldom of conventionality being just now a favorite theme with debaters,

dramatists and dressmakers, the occasion may be an appropriate one for the purpose of recalling an article of headgear which was frequently worn by the fair sex in the “good old times.” A few generations ago our forefathers were wont to inflict upon women certain punishment which sadly exhibited their lack of gallantry and propriety. Among the most curious of these punishments was that of the brank or scold’s bridle. This curious and cruel Instrument of torture was employed by borough physicians for the purpose of curing women of an ailment of the tongue to which they were said to be subject. The branli Consisted of a kind of crown or framework of Iron, which was locked upon the head of the delinquent. It was armed in front with a gag, plate, point or knife of the same metal, which was fitted In such a manner as to be inserted in the scold’s mouth so as to prevent her moving her tougue, or. more cruel still, It was so placed that if she did move It, or attempt to speak, her tongue was cruelly lacerated and her sufferings intensified. With this cage upon her head, and with the gag pressed and locked upon her tongue, the poor creature was

paraded through the streets, led by the beadle or constable, or else she was chained to the pillory or market cross to be the object of scoßn and derision, and to be subjected to all the Insults that local loungers could invent

IN YE OLDEN TIME.