[a. F. bridon in same sense, deriv. of bride a bridle.]
1. ‘The snaffle and rein of a military bridle, which acts independently of the bit, at the pleasure of the rider.’ Stocqueler.
1753. Chambers, Cycl. Supp., s.v., A horse never goes so well nor sure with a bridoon, unless he have been first broke to the bit.
1801. W. Felton, Carriages, II. 156. Harness is frequently made without breeching or bridoon.
1833. Regul. Instr. Cavalry, I. 41. The use of the Bridoon, or Snaffle-Bridle.
2. Comb., as bridoon-bit, -bridle, -chain, etc.
1801. W. Felton, Carriages, II. 146. The *Bridoon Bit, an additional bit … with a ring at each end for the reins to be fastened to. Ibid., Gloss., *Bridoon Chain, or Links, small ornaments, through which the bridoon reins run. Ibid., II. 141. The *Bridoon-Head, or Rein, is an additional bridle with a bearing-rein.
1856. J. Grant, Black Drag., xxxv. 165. Every man sprang to his horse’s head, and grasped the *bridoon rein near the ring.
