Harness vs. Bridle — What's the Difference?

A set of straps and fittings by which a horse or other draught animal is fastened to a cart, plough, etc. and is controlled by its driver.

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.

Put a harness on (a horse or other draught animal)

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

Control and make use of (natural resources), especially to produce energy

Put a bridle on (a horse)

The gear or tackle, other than a yoke, with which a draft animal pulls a vehicle or implement.

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

Something resembling such gear or tackle, as the arrangement of straps used to hold a parachute to the body.

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

A device that raises and lowers the warp threads on a loom.

A curb or check

(Archaic) Armor for a man or horse.

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

To put a harness on (a draft animal).

To put a bridle on.

To fasten by the use of a harness.

To control or restrain

To bring under control and direct the force of

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

(countable) A restraint or support, especially one consisting of a loop or network of rope or straps.

To be angry or resentful; take offense

(countable) A collection of wires or cables bundled and routed according to their function.

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

The complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; armour in general.

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

The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.

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.

Equipment for any kind of labour.

A mooring hawser.

(transitive) To place a harness on something; to tie up or restrain.

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

(transitive) To capture, control or put to use.

A gesture expressing pride or vanity.

(transitive) To equip with armour.

(transitive) To put a bridle on.

Originally, the complete dress, especially in a military sense, of a man or a horse; hence, in general, armor.

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

The equipment of a draught or carriage horse, for drawing a wagon, coach, chaise, etc.; gear; tackling.

(intransitive) To show hostility or resentment.

The part of a loom comprising the heddles, with their means of support and motion, by which the threads of the warp are alternately raised and depressed for the passage of the shuttle.

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

To dress in armor; to equip with armor for war, as a horseman; to array.

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

Fig.: To equip or furnish for defense.

A restraint; a curb; a check.

To make ready for draught; to equip with harness, as a horse. Also used figuratively.

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

A support consisting of an arrangement of straps for holding something to the body (especially one supporting a person suspended from a parachute)

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.

Stable gear consisting of an arrangement of leather straps fitted to a draft animal so that it can be attached to and pull a cart

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

Put a harness;

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.

Exploit the power of;

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.

Control and direct with or as if by reins;

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

Keep in check;

The act of restraining power or action or limiting excess;

Put a bridle on;

Respond to the reins, as of horses