headstall

American  

[hed-stawl] / ˈhɛdˌstɔl /

noun

1. that part of a bridle or halter that encompasses the head of an animal.

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headstall British  

/ ˈhɛdˌstɔːl /

noun

1. another word (esp US) for head collar

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Etymology

Origin of headstall

First recorded in 1425–75, headstall is from the late Middle English word hedstall. See head, stall ¹

Example Sentences

When Chaplin was made Viscount in 1916, his arms consisted partly of a "chest-nut-colored race horse in a white headstall."

From Time Magazine Archive

He tried to rub the headstall off on the manger.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck

He let them feel the red saddle, and showed them the brass chain throat-latch on the bridle and the big brass buttons at each temple where the headstall and brow band crossed.

From "The Red Pony" by John Steinbeck

He turned back, slipped the bit in Dox’s mouth, and laced the big flop ears into the headstall.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck

He got it out, reached forward and cut the headstall.

From "Johnny Tremain" by Esther Hoskins Forbes