| 释义 |
bri·dle
I. \ˈbrīdəl\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel, brigdils; akin to Old High German brittil rein, Old English bregdan to move quickly — more at braid
1.
a. : the headgear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, often with other appurtenances
b. : a strip of metal joining two parts of a machine especially for limiting or restraining motion
c. : brank 1a
2. : something resembling or suggesting a bridle especially in shape or in serving as a restraint: as
a. : a length of rope or cable with the ends secured to different parts or sides of an object (as a ship) and with a second rope or cable attached to the bight to which the force for hauling, lifting, or securing is applied
b. : curb, check, restraint
< how a soldier behaved … depended less upon the bridle of the army than upon self-discipline — Dixon Wecter >
c. : frenum
d. : a cord tightening or strengthening the sides of a net
e. : a clevis on a plow
f. : the cord or system of cords by which a kite is attached to its string
g. : a device for controlling the speed of logs on a skid road or the speed of logging sleds
h. : a sling of cordage that has its ends attached to the envelope of a captive balloon or airship or to a preceding bridle and to an intermediate point of which a rope or cable is attached
i. : a cloth stay used in tailoring for the neckline of coats and jackets
3. Britain : trimmer 2
II. verb
(bridled ; bridled ; bridling \-d(ə)liŋ\ ; bridles)
Etymology: Middle English bridlen, from Old English brīdlian, from brīdel, n.
transitive verb
1. : to put a bridle upon : equip with a bridle
< bridle a horse >
2. : to restrain, arrest, govern, or control with or as if with a bridle; especially : to moderate steadily or guide away from excess or eccentricity
< strong in censuring and bridling the wicked — H.O.Taylor >
3. : to carry or move (as the head) like one that bridles
intransitive verb
: to give evidence of hostility in one's attitude or behavior out of protest, offended pride, scorn, or resentment especially by holding up the head and drawing in the chin
< we bridle when any one of our institutions sets itself up above another — W.L.Sperry >
< military commanders who had bridled against … interference — Time >
Synonyms: see restrain
III. noun
(-s)
: the action of one that bridles |