meaning of bridle
1. The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
2. A restraint; a curb; a check.
3. The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
4. 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.
5. A mooring hawser.
6. To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. A strong flat bar of iron, so bent as to support, as in a stirrup, one end of a floor timber, etc. , where no sufficient bearing can be had; -- called also stirrup and hanger.
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