Bridle

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -aɪdÉ™l

Origin

From Old English brīdel, from Proto-Germanic *brigdilaz

Full definition of bridle

Noun

1. The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
• 1961, J. A. Philip, "Mimesis in the Sophistês," Proceedings and Transactions of the American Philological Association 92, p. 457:... the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use
2. (figurative) A restraint; a curb; a check.
3. A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line.
4. A mooring hawser.
5. A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.

Derived terms

• bridle path
• bridlewise

Verb

1. (transitive) To put a bridle on.
• DrakeHe bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.
2. (transitive) To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.
• BurkeSavoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.
3. (intransitive) To show hostility or resentment.Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives.

Derived terms

• unbridle

Synonyms

• restrain