Etymology

Noun

1. The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
   • 1961. J. A. Philip. Mimesis in the Sophistês. In: Proceedings and Transactions of the American Philological Association 92. p. 457

     the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use;

2. 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.

Verb

1. To put a bridle on.
2. To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as , bridle your tongue.
3. To show hostility or resentment.

   Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives. (Houston Chronicle, 6/8/2007)