Brand

Brand is the mark left upon the skins of cattle, often for the purpose of recognition by the owner, as in cattle-ranches in America, produced by searing with a hot iron; or a mark made in the same way on a cask or box for trade or excise purposes, hence the expression 'a good brand' of cigars, or the like (see FISHERIES, and TRADE MARKS). The Branding of criminals is a separate article. The name Brand is given to the fungoid diseases or blights of grain crops—Bunt (q.v.), Mildew, Rust, and Smut (q.v.)—and refers to the burnt appearance which characterises the diseases to which it is applied. See PLANTS (DISEASES OF).