The headgear used to control a horse, including the bit and reins. As a verb, means to control or restrain, often with anger or indignation.
From Old English 'bridel', related to 'bregdan' (to move quickly, braid). Germanic roots connect to concepts of binding and controlling. The metaphorical sense of 'restraining anger' developed because a bridled horse shows visible tension when controlled.
The phrase 'to bridle at something' captures the perfect image of a horse pulling against its bridle when restrained - that same tension and resistance we feel when controlled or criticized. Interestingly, good horsemanship relies on the bridle being a communication tool rather than just a restraint device.
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