A '''brand''' is a mark inflicted on skin or hide using hot metal in the form of a [[branding iron]]. Brands were commonly used to indicate ownership of cattle and other livestock, before the development of plastic ear tags; different owners would use a different style of brand. Branding was also commonly used in former times as a punishment for certain classes of criminal. | A '''brand''' is a mark inflicted on skin or hide using hot metal in the form of a [[branding iron]]. Brands were commonly used to indicate ownership of cattle and other livestock, before the development of plastic ear tags; different owners would use a different style of brand. Branding was also commonly used in former times as a punishment for certain classes of criminal. |