bridle
noun
[ ˈbrʌɪd(ə)l ]
• the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached.
• "grooms came at once to take the bridles"
bridle
verb
• put a bridle on (a horse).
• "five horses, saddled and bridled, were tied by the reins to branches of trees"
• show one's resentment or anger, especially by throwing up one's head and drawing in one's chin.
• "she bridled at his tone"
Similar:
bristle,
be/become indignant,
take offence,
take umbrage,
be affronted,
be offended,
get angry,
draw oneself up,
feel one's hackles rise,
Origin:
Old English brīdel (noun), brīdlian (verb), of Germanic origin; related to Dutch breidel (noun). bridle (sense 2 of the verb) use is from the action of a horse when reined in.
on the bridle
• (of a horse) ridden with a light but firm contact on the mouth.
