Definition of "bridle"

bridle

/ˈbɹaɪdəl/

noun
plural bridles
1. (equestrianism) The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
  Quotations
  […] the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use
  1961, J. A. Philip, “Mimesis in the Sophistês”, in Proceedings and Transactions of the American Philological Association, 92, p. 457
2. (figurative) A restraint; a curb; a check.
  Quotations
  Let wisdom put a bridle on them before they are grown head-strong and unruly
  1729, Isaac Watts, The Doctrine of the Passions explain'd and improv'd
3. 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.
4. A mooring hawser.
5. A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
6. A gesture expressing pride or vanity.
verb
third-person singular simple present bridles, present participle bridling, simple past and past participle bridled
1. (transitive) To put a bridle on.
  Quotations
  He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.
  1835, Joseph Rodman Drake, The Culprit Fay
2. (transitive) To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.
  Quotations
  Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.
  1795–1797, Edmund Burke, “(please specify |letter=1 to 4)”, in [Letters on a Regicide Peace], London: [Rivington]
3. (intransitive) To show hostility or resentment.
4. (intransitive) To hold up one's head proudly or affectedly.

Definition of "bridle"

bridle

noun

Quotations

Quotations

verb

Quotations

Quotations