Port n.
1. A passageway; an opening or entrance to an inclosed place; a gate; a door; a portal. [Archaic]
Him I accuse
The city ports by this hath entered. --Shak.
Form their ivory port the cherubim
Forth issuing. --Milton.
2. Naut. An opening in the side of a vessel; an embrasure through which cannon may be discharged; a porthole; also, the shutters which close such an opening.
Her ports being within sixteen inches of the water. --Sir W. Raleigh.
3. Mach. A passageway in a machine, through which a fluid, as steam, water, etc., may pass, as from a valve to the interior of the cylinder of a steam engine; an opening in a valve seat, or valve face.
Air port, Bridle port, etc. See under Air, Bridle, etc.
Port bar Naut., a bar to secure the ports of a ship in a gale.
Port lid Naut., a lid or hanging for closing the portholes of a vessel.
Steam port, ∧ Exhaust port Steam Engine, the ports of the cylinder communicating with the valve or valves, for the entrance or exit of the steam, respectively.
Bri·dle n.
1. The head gear with which a horse is governed and restrained, consisting of a headstall, a bit, and reins, with other appendages.
2. A restraint; a curb; a check.
3. Gun. The piece in the interior of a gun lock, which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc.
4. Naut. (a) 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. (b) A mooring hawser.
Bowline bridle. See under Bowline.
Branches of a bridle. See under Branch.
Bridle cable Naut., a cable which is bent to a bridle. See 4, above.
Bridle hand, the hand which holds the bridle in riding; the left hand.
Bridle path, Bridle way, a path or way for saddle horses and pack horses, as distinguished from a road for vehicles.
Bridle port Naut., a porthole or opening in the bow through which hawsers, mooring or bridle cables, etc., are passed.
Bridle rein, a rein attached to the bit.
Bridle road. (a) Same as Bridle path. --Lowell. (b) A road in a pleasure park reserved for horseback exercise.
Bridle track, a bridle path.
Scolding bridle. See Branks, 2.
Syn: -- A check; restrain.