What is a scold's bridal?

Answer 1

It is a metal device that looked like a bridle and included a piece of metal that went into the mouth above the tongue and sometimes had a spike that would cause pain if the tongue moved at all. It was used to punish outspoken women.

Answer 2

A scold's bridle, also known as a branks, was a form of punishment device used in the past to discipline women who were deemed to be gossips or troublemakers. It typically consisted of a metal framework that enclosed the head, with a metal bit placed in the mouth to inhibit speech.