Dictionary
bri•dle
Pronunciation: (brīd'l), [key]
—n., v., -dled, -dling.
—n.
1. part of the tack or harness of a horse, consisting usually of a headstall, bit, and reins.
2. anything that restrains or curbs: His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper.
3. Mach.a link, flange, or other attachment for limiting the movement of any part of a machine.
4. Naut.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.
5. a raising up of the head, as in disdain.
—v.t.
1. to put a bridle on.
2. 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.
