Brand \Brand\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Branded; p. pr. & vb. n. Branding.]

.

1. To burn a distinctive mark into or upon with a hot iron, to indicate quality, ownership, etc., or to mark as infamous (as a convict).

2. To put an actual distinctive mark upon in any other way, as with a stencil, to show quality of contents, name of manufacture, etc.

3. Fig.: To fix a mark of infamy, or a stigma, upon.

The Inquisition branded its victims with infamy. --Prescott.

There were the enormities, branded and condemned by the first and most natural verdict of common humanity. --South.

4. To mark or impress indelibly, as with a hot iron.

As if it were branded on my mind. --Geo. Eliot.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)