leading reins

US and Canadian leading strings

/ (ˈliːdɪŋ) /

pl n

straps or a harness and strap used to assist and control a child who is learning to walk
excessive guidance or restraint

Example sentences from the Web for leading reins

  • The tiny hollow boats with seats were being towed along the edge in leading-reins.

  • Stepping back a pace, he separates his leading-reins, and pulls them through the terrets till he has gathered up the slack.

  • He gathered up the leading-reins of the ponies—which had been easily caught—and hurried towards the spire.

    Jack Haydon's Quest |John Finnemore