cabestrar

Senses

1. 1.

   to halter; to lead by a halter

   to put a halter on an animal or lead it using a halter

2. 2.

   to lead or control someone

   figuratively, to guide or manage someone as if they were a haltered animal

Examples

• "El granjero cabestró el caballo para llevarlo al corral."

  The farmer haltered the horse to lead it to the corral.

• "No me gusta que me cabestren; prefiero tomar mis propias decisiones."

  I don't like being led around; I prefer to make my own decisions.

• "Cabestraban a los bueyes con cuerdas gruesas."

  They haltered the oxen with thick ropes.

Usage

A somewhat dated or rural term, though still understood in animal husbandry contexts. The figurative use-meaning to control or manipulate someone-carries a somewhat pejorative tone. Derived from "cabestro" (halter).