King James Bible Dictionary

Three Hebrew words are thus rendered in the Authorized Version.

1. Heb. mahsom' signifies a muzzle or halter or bridle, by which the rider governs his horse (Psalms 39:1).

2. Me'theg, rendered also "bit" in Psalms 32:9, which is its proper meaning. Found in 2 Kings 19:28, where the restraints of God's providence are metaphorically styled his "bridle" and "hook." God's placing a "bridle in the jaws of the people" (Isaiah 30:28; 37:29) signifies his preventing the Assyrians from carrying out their purpose against Jerusalem.

3. Another word, re'sen, was employed to represent a halter or bridle-rein, as used Psalms 32:9; Isaiah 30:28. In Job 30:11 the restraints of law and humanity are called a bridle.

General references
Psalms 32:9; Proverbs 26:3; Revelation 14:20

Figurative
2 Kings 19:28; Psalms 39:1; James 1:26
Bit

BRI'DLE, noun

1. The instrument with which a horse is governed and restrained by a rider; consisting of a head-stall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages, according to its particular form and uses.

2. A restraint; a curb; a check.

3. A short piece of cable well served, attached to a swivel on a chain, laid in a harbor, and the upper end drawn into a ship and secured to the bits. The use is to enable a ship, when moored, to veer with the wind and tide.

Bowline bridles are short legs or pieces of rope, running through iron thimbles, by which the bowline attaches to different places on the leech or edge of a large sail

BRI'DLE, verb transitive To put on a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.

1. To restrain, guide or govern; to check, curb or control; as, to bridle the passions; 'to bridle a muse.'

Bridle the excursions of youth.

BRI'DLE, verb intransitive To hold up the head, and draw in the chin.

BRI'DLED, participle passive Having a bridle on; restrained.

BRI'DLE-HAND, noun [bridle and hand.] The hand which holds the bridle in riding.

BRI'DLER, noun One that bridles; one that restrains and governs.