bridle: Meaning and Definition of
bri•dle
Pronunciation: (brīd'l), [key] — n., v., -dled, -dling.
—n. - part of the tack or harness of a horse, consisting usually of a headstall, bit, and reins.
- anything that restrains or curbs: His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper.
- a link, flange, or other attachment for limiting the movement of any part of a machine.
- a rope or chain secured at both ends to an object to be held, lifted, or towed, and itself held or lifted by a rope or chain secured at its center.
- a raising up of the head, as in disdain.
—v.t. - to put a bridle on.
- to control or hold back; restrain; curb.
—v.i. - to draw up the head and draw in the chin, as in disdain or resentment.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.