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Bridle vs Hobble - What's the difference?

bridle | hobble |

In figurative|lang=en terms the difference between bridle and hobble

is that bridle is (figurative) a restraint; a curb; a check while hobble is (figurative) to move roughly or irregularly.

As nouns the difference between bridle and hobble

is that bridle is the headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins while hobble is short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off.

As verbs the difference between bridle and hobble

is that bridle is to put a bridle on while hobble is to fetter by tying the legs; to restrict (a horse) with hobbles.

bridle

English

(wikipedia bridle)

Noun

(en noun)
  • The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.
  • * 1961 , J. A. Philip, "Mimesis in the Sophistês," Proceedings and Transactions of the American Philological Association 92, p. 457:
    • the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use
  • (figurative) A restraint; a curb; a check.
  • A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line.
  • A mooring hawser.
  • A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.

    • Derived terms

    * bridle path * bridlewise

    Verb

    (bridl)
  • To put a bridle on.
  • * Drake
    • He bridled her mouth with a silkweed twist.
  • To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue .
  • * Burke
    • Savoy and Nice, the keys of Italy, and the citadel in her hands to bridle Switzerland, are in that consolidation.
  • To show hostility or resentment.
    • Immigrant-rights and religious organizations bridled at the plan to favor highly skilled workers over relatives.'' (''Houston Chronicle , 6/8/2007)

    Derived terms

    * unbridle

    Synonyms

    * restrain

    hobble

    English

    Noun

  • (en noun) (usually in plural )
  • Short straps tied between the legs of unfenced horses, allowing them to wander short distances but preventing them from running off.
  • An unsteady, off-balance step.

    • Synonyms

    * tether (rope)

    Verb

  • To fetter by tying the legs; to restrict (a horse) with hobbles.
    • (Charles Dickens)
  • To walk lame, or unevenly.
  • * Dryden
    • The friar was hobbling the same way too.
  • (figurative) To move roughly or irregularly.
  • * Jeffreys
    • The hobbling versification, the mean diction.
  • To perplex; to embarrass.

    • Derived terms

    * hobble skirt * hobbly * unhobble