Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A distinguishing mark burned upon the skin or horn of an animal as a means of identification; hence, a mark cut, as on timber, or painted etc., for his purpose.

Etymologies

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Examples

  • Merchantable export flour had to be branded with the “provincial brand-mark, … sufficient and capable to impress in a fair and distinguishable manner the arms of the province of Pennsylvania with the letter P on each side”; for his trouble, the officer was to have from the shipper “one penny per cask and no more.”

    A History of American Law Lawrence M. Friedman 1985

  • Merchantable export flour had to be branded with the “provincial brand-mark, … sufficient and capable to impress in a fair and distinguishable manner the arms of the province of Pennsylvania with the letter P on each side”; for his trouble, the officer was to have from the shipper “one penny per cask and no more.”

    A History of American Law Lawrence M. Friedman 1985

  • Merchantable export flour had to be branded with the “provincial brand-mark, … sufficient and capable to impress in a fair and distinguishable manner the arms of the province of Pennsylvania with the letter P on each side”; for his trouble, the officer was to have from the shipper “one penny per cask and no more.”

    A History of American Law Lawrence M. Friedman 1985

  • In these days, in cases where the Church now exacts no more than sincere repentance from the erring wife, society is satisfied with a brand-mark instead of an execution.

    Honorine 2007

  • In these days, in cases where the Church now exacts no more than sincere repentance from the erring wife, society is satisfied with a brand-mark instead of an execution.

    Honorine 2007

  • Yes, as plain as I saw it: and, perhaps, for the first time, he saw also the brand-mark with which its pressure has encircled your arm.

    Villette 2003

  • I had seen a small cask with a Portuguese brand-mark burned into its side being rolled into the kitchens in the afternoon, and glasses of the ruby liquid kept reappearing by Don Francisco's left hand as though by magic through the evening.

    Dragonfly in Amber Gabaldon, Diana 1992

  • The bellowing cattle, the plunging steeds, the excitement of lassoing some bull more refractory than usual, the hissing of the iron as it sears the brand-mark deep into the animal's hide, all these are elements of exquisite enjoyment to the unsophisticated Rarey of the Plains.

    The Atlantic Monthly, Volume 03, No. 16, February, 1859 Various

  • Hence, he becomes a kind of _convict_ in society -- his debts resembling a log of wood chained to his body, and a brand-mark on his conscience.

    The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction Volume 10, No. 277, October 13, 1827 Various

  • Cavillers may say that the brand-mark is "respectable mediocrity"; even so, the value of the whole will be very remarkable, and we may be sure that less prejudiced and therefore better judges will form a higher appreciation.

    The Catholic Encyclopedia, Volume 14: Simony-Tournon 1840-1916 1913

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