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.
The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
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.
To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.
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.
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.
Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.
The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.
The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.
To dress in armor; to equip with armor for war, as a horseman; to array.
Fig.: To equip or furnish for defense.
To make ready for draught; to equip with harness, as a horse. Also used figuratively.
