Bridle — Defs

01 n. The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.

1.
The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
2.
A restraint; a curb; a check.
3.
The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.(Gun.)
4.
A span of rope, line, or chain made fast as both ends, so that another rope, line, or chain may be attached to its middle.(Naut.)

Phrases & compounds

Bowline bridle — See under Bowline.

Branches of a bridle — See under Branch.

Bridle cable — a cable which is bent to a bridle. See 4, above.

Bridle hand — the hand which holds the bridle in riding; the left hand.

Bridle path — a path or way for saddle horses and pack horses, as distinguished from a road for vehicles.

Bridle port — a porthole or opening in the bow through which hawsers, mooring or bridle cables, etc., are passed.

Bridle rein — a rein attached to the bit.

Bridle road — Same as Bridle path.

Bridle track — a bridle path.

Scolding bridle — See Branks, 2.

Syn. A check; restrain.

02 v. t. To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.

imp. & p. p. Bridled; p. pr. & vb. n. Bridling

1.
To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
“He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.” — Drake.
2.
To restrain, guide, or govern, with, or as with, a bridle; to check, curb, or control; as, to bridle the passions; to bridle a muse.
“Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.” — Burke.

Syn. To check; restrain; curb; govern; control; repress; master; subdue.

03 v. i. To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; -- usually with up.

1.
To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; -- usually with up.
“By her bridling up I perceived she expected to be treated hereafter not as Jenny Distaff, but Mrs. Tranquillus.” — Tatler.