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bridle

Pronunciation: /ˈbɹaɪdəl/

The English word “bridle” has 10 meanings listed here.

noun

  1. The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
  2. A restraint; a curb; a check.
  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

  1. To put a bridle on.
  2. To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.
  3. To show hostility or resentment.
  4. To hold up one's head proudly or affectedly.

Etymology

From Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel, from Proto-West Germanic *brigdil, from Proto-Germanic *brigdilaz (“strap, rein”), equivalent to braid + -le.

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Definitions are from Wiktionary, extracted by Kaikki.org, and are available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence.