Merriam-Webster's Collegiate® Dictionary, 11th Edition
BRAND
I. noun
Etymology: Middle English, torch, sword, from Old English; akin to Old English bærnan to burn Date: before 12th century
1. a charred piece of wood, firebrand 1, something (as lightning) that resembles a firebrand, sword ,
3. a. a mark made by burning with a hot iron to attest manufacture or quality or to designate ownership, a printed mark made for similar purposes ; trademark , b. a mark put on criminals with a hot iron, a mark of disgrace ; stigma ,
4. a class of goods identified by name as the product of a single firm or manufacturer ; make , a characteristic or distinctive kind , brand name 2, a tool used to produce a brand,
II. transitive verb
Date: 15th century
to mark with a brand, to mark with disapproval ; stigmatize , to impress indelibly , brander noun