bridle Meaning, Definition & Usage

noun headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control
noun the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess
curb; check.
- his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper
verb anger or take offense
- She bridled at his suggestion to elope
verb put a bridle on
- bridle horses
verb respond to the reins, as of horses

OE. bridel, AS. bridel; akin to OHG. britil, brittil, D. breidel, and possibly to E. braid. Cf. Bridoon.

The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
A restraint; a curb; a check. I. Watts.
(Gun.) The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the timbler, sear, etc.
(Naut.) (a) 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. (b) A mooring hawser. Syn. -- A check; restrain.

imperfect & past participle Bridled present participle & verbal noun Bridling

To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist. Drake.
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. Addison.
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.

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. "His bridling neck." Wordsworth.
By her bridling up I perceived she expected to be treated hereafter not as Jenny Distaff, but Mrs. Tranquillus. Tatler.