branding iron

noun

1. a long-handled metal rod with a stamp at one end, used for branding livestock, especially cattle, with a registered or recognized symbol or character to indicate ownership.

Word History and Origins

Origin of branding iron¹

late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50

Example Sentences

“It felt like someone had repeatedly struck the back of my neck with a hot branding iron,” he wrote in his memoir.

From New York Times

As city librarian, he insisted that all Angelenos be allowed to use its collection and discouraged book theft by using a branding iron to burn “LA PUB LIBRARY” into books’ edges.

From Los Angeles Times

But this week the president offered a statement that stood out, even among many that have put Trump’s branding iron on the office.

From Seattle Times

They are holding me so that I cannot squirm, shoving into my face a hot branding iron.

From Literature

In 2013, Ortiz was attacked by 10 men who tortured him with a hot cattle branding iron, and shot him, lodging a bullet in his left thigh.

From The Guardian