A scold's bridle was an instrument of punishment, as a form of torture and public humiliation. The device was an iron muzzle in an iron framework that enclosed the head. A bridle-bit, about 2 inches long and 1 inch broad, projected into the mouth and pressed down on top of the tongue.

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Branking, Public Humiliation, 16th Century

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Photo credit: © Science History Images / Alamy / Afripics
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