Bri·dle 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. (b) A mooring hawser.
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. (a) Same as Bridle path. --Lowell. (b) A road in a pleasure park reserved for horseback exercise.
Bridle track, a bridle path.
Scolding bridle. See Branks, 2.
Syn: -- A check; restrain.
bridle road
n : a path suitable for riding or leading horses (but not for
cars) [syn: bridle path]