O.E. bridel "bridle, rein, curb, restraint," related to bregdan "move quickly," from P.Gmc. *bregdilaz (see braid). The verb meaning "to throw up the head" (as a horse does when reined in) is from mid-15c. The verb meaning "to fit with a bridle" is from late 14c. Related: Bridled; bridling.
