[bri.dle] n [ME bridel, fr. OE bridel; akin to OE bregdan to move quickly--more at braid] (bef. 12c) 1: the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit and reins
2: a length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull; esp: rigging on a kite for attaching line
3: curb, restraint "set a ~ on his power"
[2]bridle vb bri.dled ; bri.dling vt (bef. 12c) 1: to put a bridle on
2: to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle "~ your tongue" ~ vi: to show hostility or resentment (as to an affront to one's pride or dignity) esp. by drawing back the head and chin syn see restrain