<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>Part of the tack or harness of a horse, consisting usually of a headstall, bit, and reins.</li><li>Anything that restrains or curbs: His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper.</li><li>Synonyms: check, governor.</li><li>Machinery: a link, flange, or other attachment for limiting the movement of any part of a machine.</li><li>Nautical: a rope or chain secured at both ends to an object to be held, lifted, or towed, and itself held or lifted by a rope or chain secured at its center.</li><li>A raising up of the head, as in disdain.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used with object)</strong></p><ul><li>Bridled, bridling: to put a bridle on.</li><li>To control or hold back; restrain; curb.</li><li>Synonyms: limit, restrict, inhibit, constrain, govern, check.</li></ul><p><strong>Verb (used without object)</strong></p><ul><li>Bridled, bridling: to draw up the head and draw in the chin, as in disdain or resentment.</li><li>Synonyms: bristle.</li></ul>