[a. F. bride bridle, bonnet-string = Pr. and Sp. brida, from Teutonic: cf. OHG. brîdel: see BRIDLE.]

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  † 1.  A bridle, rein. Also fig. Obs.

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c. 1300.  K. Alis., 7627. How love heom ladde by strong bride.

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a. 1300.  K. Horn, 772. Berild … tok him bi þe bride.

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  2.  The delicate net-work that connects the patterns in lace; also, a bonnet-string.

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1869.  Latest News, 3 Oct., 5. One [bonnet] … is very pretty made of velvet and black lace; black or white tulle brides.

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1883.  Mag. of Art, Dec., 67/2. The delicate beauty of its white knots lightly held together by cobwebby ‘brides.’

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  3.  Surg. Membranaceous filaments found in the center of abscesses or in deep wounds that prevent the escape of pus, or cause morbid adherence.

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1845.  Encycl. Metrop., VII. 739. When the maturation [of the pustule in small-pox] is complete the ‘bride’ … ruptures.

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