bridle

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the act of restraining power or action or limiting excess

   My common sense is a bridle to your quick temper.

2. 2
   verb

   to respond to the reins, as of horses

   The horse bridles well.

3. 3
   verb

   to anger or take offense

   I bridled at the suggestion to elope.

From Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel, from Proto-West Germanic *brigdil, from Proto-Germanic *brigdilaz (“strap, rein”), equivalent to braid + -le.

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