Definition of bridle Bridle

/bɹajˈdʌl/ - [braydul] - bri•dle

We found 24 definitions of bridle from 8 different sources.

What does bridle mean?

WordNet

Noun Plural: bridles
bridle - headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control
		headgear stable gear consisting of any part of a harness that fits about the horse's head
		harness stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart
		bit the cutting part of a drill; usually pointed and threaded and is replaceable in a brace or bitstock or drill press; "he looked around for the right size bit"
		cheekpiece either of two straps of a bridle that connect the bit to the headpiece
		headstall, headpiece the band that is the part of a bridle that fits around a horse's head
		noseband, nosepiece a strap that is the part of a bridle that goes over the animal's nose
bridle - the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess; "his common sense is a bridle to his quick temper"
		check, curb
		restraint the act of controlling by restraining someone or something; "the unlawful restraint of trade"
Verb bridles, bridling, bridled
bridle - put a bridle on; "bridle horses"
		unbridle remove the bridle from (a horse or mule)
		cumber, encumber, constrain, restrain hold back
		snaffle fit or restrain with a snaffle; "snaffle a horse"
bridle - respond to the reins, as of horses
		reply, respond, answer respond favorably or as hoped; "The cancer responded to the aggressive therapy"
bridle - anger or take offense; "She bridled at his suggestion to elope"
		see red, anger make angry; "The news angered him"

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Wiktionary

bridle (Noun)
The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
bridle (Noun)
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.
bridle (Verb)
To put a bridle on.
bridle (Verb)
To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.
bridle (Verb)
To show hostility or resentment.

Webster DictionaryWebster's Unabridged Dictionary 📘

bridle (n.)
The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
bridle (n.)
A restraint; a curb; a check.
bridle (n.)
The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
bridle (n.)
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.
bridle (n.)
A mooring hawser.
bridle (v. t.)
To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
bridle (v. t.)
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.
bridle (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.

OmegaWiki DictionaryOmegaWiki Dictionary Ω

bridle
A piece of equipment used to control a horse.

Chambers DictionaryChamber's 20th Century Dictionary 📕

bridle
brī′-dl, n. the apparatus on a horse's head, by which it is controlled: any curb or restraint: a gesture expressing pride or vanity.—v.t. to put on or manage by a bridle: to check or restrain.—v.i. to hold up the head proudly or affectedly.—ns. Brī′dle-hand, the hand which holds the bridle in riding—the left hand; Brī′dle-path, a path or way for horsemen; Brī′dler, one who governs or restrains as by a bridle; Bri′dle-rein, the strap of a bridle.—To bridle up (at something), to take something amiss. [A.S. brídel; Old High Ger. brittel.]

Sailor's Word-BookThe Sailor's Word-Book ⛵

bridle
See MOORING-BRIDLE and BOWLINE-BRIDLE.

Military DictionaryMilitary Dictionary and Gazetteer 💥

bridle
An instrument with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a head-stall, a bit and reins, with other appendages, according to its particular form and uses.
bridle
In gunnery, the piece in the interior of a gun-lock, which covers and holds in place the tumbler and sear, being itself held by the screws on which they turn.