bridle

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

[…] the horseman, who is the user of bridles and knows their use

A restraint; a curb; a check.

Let wisdom put a bridle on them before they are grown head-strong and unruly

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.

To put a bridle on.

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.

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)

To hold up one's head proudly or affectedly.