An Etymological Dictionary of the German Language/Pranger
Pranger, m., from the equiv. MidHG. pranger, branger, m., ‘stocks, pillory.’ It is impossible to regard this word as a euphemistic term connected with prangen, on account of Du. prang, ‘pressure, oppression,’ prangen, ‘to press, squeeze,’ pranger, ‘iron collar, barnacles, cooper's hook,’ E. dial. prong, ‘fork.’ These words show that LG. Pranger (the HG. dials. have Pfranger) is connected with Goth. praggan, MidHG. pfrengen, ‘to crowd, oppress.’ The further history of the word is obscure.