bridle hand

American  

noun

1. (of a horseback rider) the hand, usually the left hand, that holds both reins or both pairs of reins, leaving the other hand free to manage a whip, crop, lariat, or the like.

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Etymology

Origin of bridle hand

First recorded in 1570–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bridle hand

This action ought to be performed without disturbing either the position or action of the bridle hand.

From Maids Wives and Bachelors by Barr, Amelia Edith Huddleston

As she spoke she flashed upon him her most brilliant glance and by a deft movement of her bridle hand swerved the jennet in closer to his barb.

From Sir Henry Morgan, Buccaneer A Romance of the Spanish Main by Crawford, Will

Suddenly he felt a sharp stinging pain in his213 right shoulder, and but for a convulsive grasp of the pommel with his bridle hand he would have pitched headlong to the earth.

From Danger Signals Remarkable, Exciting and Unique Examples of the Bravery, Daring and Stoicism in the Midst of Danger of Train Dispatchers and Railroad Engineers by Hill, John A.

The bridle hand started as if to draw in, but almost at the same instant the animal sprang again into a gait which showed the spur had touched her, and was quickly out of hearing.

From John March, Southerner by Cable, George W.

Fitz Eustace' heart felt closely pent, The spur he to his charger lent, And raised his bridle hand.

From Modern Painters. Vol. III (of V) Containing Part IV. Of Many Things by Ruskin, John