Refers to the metal mouthpiece of a bridle, used for controlling a horse. Also appears in idiomatic expressions like 轡を並べる (to compete together).
The rider put the bit in the horse's mouth.
The two writers competed together actively in the literary world.
手綱 refers to the reins, while 轡 is specifically the bit inside the horse's mouth.
馬具 is the general term for horse tack; 轡 is one specific piece of it.
Standard kanji for 'bit' (horse tack).
Kana spelling, used when kanji is obscure or for clarity.
Alternate kanji, less common.
Rare alternate kanji.
Compound kanji form, rare.
Compound kanji form, rare.
The reading くつわ is of native Japanese origin, while the kanji 轡 is a Chinese character adopted for its meaning. The alternate reading くつばみ is obsolete.