bridle

noun

• the headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached: grooms came at once to take the bridles
• a line, rope, or device that is used to restrain or control the action or movement of something.
• Nautical a mooring cable.

verb

• 1 [with object] put a bridle on (a horse): (as adjective bridled)five horses, saddled and bridled, were tied by the reins to branches of trees
• bring (something) under control; curb:the fact that he was their servant bridled his tongue

• 2 [no object] show one’s resentment or anger, especially by throwing up one’s head and drawing in one’s chin:she bridled at his tone