an instrument used in some parts of Scotland, and in Staffordshire, for correcting scolding women. It is a sort of head-piece, which opens and encloses the head of the impatient, while an iron, sharp as a chisel, enters the mouth, and subdues the more dreadful weapon within. Thus harnessed, the offender is led in triumph through the streets. Dr Plott, in his History of Staffordshire, has favoured the world with a minute description and figure of the instrument*, which Page 380. is there called a scolding bridle; and tells us, he looks Tab. 32. upon it "as much to be preferred to the ducking-stool, which not only endangers the health of the party, but also gives the tongue liberty betwixt every dip; to neither of which this is at all liable."