Bridle
/ˈbraɪ.dəl/noun
A headgear used to control a horse, especially by means of a bit and reins.
Did you know?Bridle is historically related to the same ancient root behind **bridle**-type ideas of binding and controlling, and in English it also spawned the verb meaning to restrain or hold back emotion or action.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bhreudʰ-
“to swell, be excited, or be in a state of agitation”
Proto-Germanic
PGmc
*brūdilaz
“a restraining device for an animal”
Old English
OE
bridel
“a bridle or restraint for a horse”
Middle English
ME
bridel
“horse headgear; also a figurative restraint”
Modern English
English
bridle
“a device for controlling a horse by the head; also, to show irritation or resentment”