bridle vs bulwark

bridle

noun
  • A restraint; a curb; a check. 

  • The headgear with which a horse is directed and which carries a bit and reins. 

  • A length of line or cable attached to two parts of something to spread the force of a pull, as the rigging on a kite for attaching line. 

  • A mooring hawser. 

  • A piece in the interior of a gunlock which holds in place the tumbler, sear, etc. 

  • A gesture expressing pride or vanity. 

verb
  • To hold up one's head proudly or affectedly. 

  • To check, restrain, or control with, or as if with, a bridle; as in bridle your tongue. 

  • To show hostility or resentment. 

  • To put a bridle on. 

bulwark

noun
  • A defense or safeguard. 

  • A defensive wall or rampart. 

  • A breakwater. 

  • Any means of defence or security. 

  • The planking or plating along the sides of a nautical vessel above her gunwale that reduces the likelihood of seas washing over the gunwales and people being washed overboard. 

verb
  • To fortify something with a wall or rampart. 

  • To provide protection of defense for something. 

How often have the words bridle and bulwark occurred in a corpus of books? (source: Google Ngram Viewer )