online medical dictionary | definition 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 timbler, 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. A mooring hawser. Bowline bridle. See Bowline. Branches of a bridle. See Branch. Bridle cable, 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. Same as Bridle path. A road in a pleasure park reserved for horseback exercise. Bridle track, a bridle path. Scolding bridle. See Branks.

Synonyms: A check, restrain.

Origin: OE. Bridel, AS. Bridel; akin to OHG. Britil, brittil, D. Breidel, and possibly to E. Braid. Cf. Bridoon.

(01 Mar 1998)