witch's bridle

The "witch's bridle" is a historical instrument of punishment, often linked with the control of women's behavior and folklore tales of witchcraft.

Definition

C2Historical Punishment

(historical)An iron device used to silence and humiliate women by enclosing the head and preventing speech, commonly used against those accused of witchcraft.

Example

  • The witch's bridle was a grim reminder of the harsh methods used to control women's behavior in the past.

C2Folklore

(mythical)A legendary object or spell believed to restrain or control individuals or animals, often associated with witchcraft stories.

Example

  • In the tale, the witch's bridle was used to tame the unruly spirit of a wild horse.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "witch's bridle":

witches' stonewitches' cauldron