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Simple English definitions for legal terms
scold
Read a random definition: plunder
A quick definition of scold:
A scold is someone who causes trouble in the neighborhood by constantly yelling at people and creating arguments. In the past, people who were scolds were punished by having an iron device called a branks put on their head and in their mouth to keep them quiet. This was also called a scolding bridle.
A more thorough explanation:
Definition: A person who habitually disturbs the peace by scolding others, causing discord, and generally being a nuisance to the community. In the past, this behavior was punishable by fitting an iron bridle to the person's mouth.
Example: In the 17th century, a woman who constantly scolded her neighbors was punished by being fitted with a bridle that kept her tongue depressed, preventing her from speaking.
Explanation: The example illustrates how scolding behavior was viewed as a serious offense in the past and how it was punished. The use of the bridle was a way to physically restrain the offender and prevent them from causing further disruption to the community.