Bridle vs. Halter — What's the Difference?

A bridle is a piece of equipment used to direct a horse. As defined in the Oxford English Dictionary, the "bridle" includes both the headstall that holds a bit that goes in the mouth of a horse, and the reins that are attached to the bit.

A halter or headcollar is headgear that is used to lead or tie up livestock and, occasionally, other animals; it fits behind the ears (behind the poll), and around the muzzle. To handle the animal, usually a lead rope is attached.

The headgear used to control a horse, consisting of buckled straps to which a bit and reins are attached

A device made of rope or straps that fits around the head of an animal and is used to lead or secure the animal.

Put a bridle on (a horse)

A rope with a noose used for execution by hanging.

Show one's resentment or anger, especially by throwing up one's head and drawing in one's chin

Death or execution by hanging.

A harness, consisting of a headstall, bit, and reins, fitted about a horse's head and used to restrain or guide the animal.

A garment having a front supported by a strap or straps running behind the neck, leaving the arms, shoulders, and back bare.

A curb or check

Either of the small, clublike balancing organs that are the rudimentary hind wings of flies. Also called balancer.

(Nautical) A span of chain, wire, or rope that can be secured at both ends to an object and slung from its center point.

Of, relating to, or being a garment having a front that is supported by a strap or straps running behind the neck

To put a bridle on.

To put a halter on.

To control or restrain

To control with or as if with a halter.

To lift the head and draw in the chin in anger or resentment.

(Archaic) To hang (someone).

To be angry or resentful; take offense

A bitless headpiece of rope or straps, placed on the head of animals such as cattle or horses to lead or tie them.

The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins.

A rope with a noose, for hanging criminals; the gallows rope.

(figurative) A restraint; a curb; a check.

A halter top.

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.

One who halts or limps; a cripple.

A mooring hawser.

(transitive) To place a halter on.

A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.

One who halts or limps; a cripple.

A gesture expressing pride or vanity.

A strong strap or cord.

(transitive) To put a bridle on.

To tie by the neck with a rope, strap, or halter; to put a halter on; to subject to a hangman's halter.

(transitive) To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue.

Rope or canvas headgear for a horse, with a rope for leading

(intransitive) To show hostility or resentment.

A rope that is used by a hangman to execute persons who have been condemned to death by hanging

(intransitive) To hold up one's head proudly or affectedly.

A woman's top that fastens behind the back and neck leaving the back and arms uncovered

The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.

Either of the club-like rudimentary hind wings of dipterous insects; used for maintaining equilibrium during flight

A restraint; a curb; a check.

Hang with a halter

The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.

Prevent the progress or free movement of;

A span of rope, line, or chain made fast as both ends, so that another rope, line, or chain may be attached to its middle.

To put a bridle upon; to equip with a bridle; as, to bridle a horse.

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

To hold up the head, and draw in the chin, as an expression of pride, scorn, or resentment; to assume a lofty manner; - usually with up.

Headgear for a horse; includes a headstall and bit and reins to give the rider or driver control

The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;

Put a bridle on;

Respond to the reins, as of horses