I. ˈbrand noun
Etymology: Middle English, torch, sword, from Old English; akin to Old English bærnan to burn
Date: before 12th century
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 brand 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 brand of theater
c. : brand name 2
5. : a tool used to produce a brand
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
1. : to mark with a brand
2. : to mark with disapproval : stigmatize
he was brand ed a coward
3. : to impress indelibly
brand the lesson on his mind
• brand·er noun