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Concise Oxford English Dictionary
bridle
■ noun
the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached.
Nautical a mooring cable.
■ verb
put a bridle on.
bring under control.
show resentment or anger.

OE brīdel (n.), brīdlian (v.), of Gmc origin.
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Concise Oxford Thesaurus
bridle
▶ noun a horse’s bridle: HARNESS, headgear.
▶ verb
she bridled at his tone: BRISTLE, take offence, take umbrage, be affronted, be offended, get angry.
he bridled his indignation: CURB, restrain, hold back, control, check, rein in/back; suppress, stifle; informal keep a/the lid on.
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Merriam-Webster Collegiate® Dictionary
bridle path
Function: noun
Date: 1811

: a trail suitable for horseback riding
1bri·dle
Pronunciation: ‘brī-dəl
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English bridel, from Old English brīdel; akin to Old English bregdan to move quickly ― more at BRAID
Date: before 12th century

1 : the headgear with which a horse is governed and which carries a bit and reins
2 : a length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull especially : rigging on a kite for attaching line
3 : CURB, RESTRAINT
2bridle
Function: verb
Inflected Form: bri·dled ; bri·dling \’brīd-liŋ, ‘brī-dəl-iŋ\
Date: before 12th century

transitive verb
1 : to put a bridle on
2 : to restrain, check, or control with or as if with a bridle
intransitive verb : to show hostility or resentment (as to an affront to one’s pride or dignity) especially by drawing back the head and chin
synonyms see RESTRAIN