Bridle n. 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.(Gun.) The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
4.(Naut.) (a)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.
Bowline bridle. See under Bowline. Branches of a bridle. See under Branch. Bridle cable (Naut.), a cable which is bent to a bridle. See 4, above.
Bridle hand, the hand which holds the bridle in riding; the left hand.
Bridle path, Bridle way, a path or way for saddle horses and pack horses, as distinguished from a road for vehicles.
Bridle port (Naut.), a porthole or opening in the bow through which hawsers, mooring or bridle cables, etc., are passed.
Bridle rein, a rein attached to the bit.
Bridle road. (b)A road in a pleasure park reserved for horseback exercise.
Bridle track, a bridle path.
Scolding bridle. See Branks, 2. Synonyms: A check; restrain.
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