[brand] n [ME, torch, sword, fr. OE; akin to OE baernan to burn] (bef. 12c) 1 a: a charred piece of wood b: firebrand 1 c: something (as lightning) that resembles a firebrand
2: sword 3 a (1): a mark made by burning with a hot iron to attest manufacture or quality or to designate ownership (2): a printed mark made for similar purposes: trademark b (1): a mark put on criminals with a hot iron (2): a mark of disgrace: stigma "the ~ of poverty"
4. a: a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm or manufacturer: make b: a characteristic or distinctive kind "a lively ~ of theater"
5: a tool used to produce a brand
[2]brand vt (15c) 1: to mark with a brand
2: to mark with disapproval: stigmatize
3: to impress indelibly "~ the lesson on his mind" -- brand.er n