I. ˈbrīd ə l noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel, brigdils; akin to Old High German brittil rein, Old English bregdan to move quickly — more at braid
1.
a. : the headgear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, often with other appurtenances
b. : a strip of metal joining two parts of a machine especially for limiting or restraining motion
c. : brank 1a
2. : something resembling or suggesting a bridle especially in shape or in serving as a restraint: as
a. : a length of rope or cable with the ends secured to different parts or sides of an object (as a ship) and with a second rope or cable attached to the bight to which the force for hauling, lifting, or securing is applied
b. : curb , check , restraint
how a soldier behaved … depended less upon the bridle of the army than upon self-discipline — Dixon Wecter
c. : frenum
d. : a cord tightening or strengthening the sides of a net
e. : a clevis on a plow
f. : the cord or system of cords by which a kite is attached to its string
g. : a device for controlling the speed of logs on a skid road or the speed of logging sleds
h. : a sling of cordage that has its ends attached to the envelope of a captive balloon or airship or to a preceding bridle and to an intermediate point of which a rope or cable is attached
i. : a cloth stay used in tailoring for the neckline of coats and jackets
3. Britain : trimmer 2
II. verb
( bridled ; bridled ; bridling -d( ə )liŋ ; bridles )
Etymology: Middle English bridlen, from Old English brīdlian, from brīdel, n.
transitive verb
1. : to put a bridle upon : equip with a bridle
bridle a horse
2. : to restrain, arrest, govern, or control with or as if with a bridle ; especially : to moderate steadily or guide away from excess or eccentricity
strong in censuring and bridling the wicked — H.O.Taylor
3. : to carry or move (as the head) like one that bridles
intransitive verb
: to give evidence of hostility in one's attitude or behavior out of protest, offended pride, scorn, or resentment especially by holding up the head and drawing in the chin
we bridle when any one of our institutions sets itself up above another — W.L.Sperry
military commanders who had bridled against … interference — Time
Synonyms: see restrain
III. noun
( -s )
: the action of one that bridles