bridling

noun

1. part of the tack or harness of a horse, consisting usually of a headstall, bit, and reins.
2. anything that restrains or curbs: His common sense is a bridle to his quick temper.
3. Machinery. a link, flange, or other attachment for limiting the movement of any part of a machine.
4. 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.
5. a raising up of the head, as in disdain.

verb (used with object), bri·dled, bri·dling.

6. to put a bridle on.
7. to control or hold back; restrain; curb.

verb (used without object), bri·dled, bri·dling.

8. to draw up the head and draw in the chin, as in disdain or resentment.

noun

1. a headgear for a horse, etc, consisting of a series of buckled straps and a metal mouthpiece (bit) by which the animal is controlled through the reins
2. something that curbs or restrains; check
3. a Y-shaped cable, rope, or chain, used for holding, towing, etc
4. machinery a device by which the motion of a component is limited, often in the form of a linkage or flange

verb

5. (tr) to put a bridle on (a horse, mule, etc)
6. (intr) (of a horse) to respond correctly to the pull of the reins
7. (tr) to restrain; curbhe bridled his rage
8. (intr often foll by at) to show anger, scorn, or indignation