rein
[ reyn ]
/ reɪn /
noun
verb (used with object)
to check or guide (a horse or other animal) by exerting pressure on a bridle bit by means of the reins.
to curb; restrain; control.
verb (used without object)
to obey the reins: a horse that reins well.
to rein a horse or other animal.
Idioms for rein
draw rein,
to curtail one's speed or progress; halt: The rider saw the snake and drew rein sharply.
give rein to,
to give complete freedom to; indulge freely: to give rein to one's imagination.
Also give free rein to, give full rein to.
Origin of rein
1300–50; (noun) Middle English
rene, reine, raine < Old French
re(s)ne < Vulgar Latin
*retina, noun derivative of Latin
retinēre to hold back,
retain; (v.) Middle English
rainen, reinen, derivative of the noun
OTHER WORDS FROM rein
rein·less, adjective un·reined, adjectiveWords nearby rein
Definition for rein (2 of 2)
reins
[ reynz ]
/ reɪnz /
plural noun
the kidneys.
the region of the kidneys, or the lower part of the back.
(especially in Biblical use) the seat of the feelings or affections, formerly identified with the kidneys.
Origin of reins
before 1000; Middle English
reines, reenes < Old French
reins; compare Old English (once)
rēnys; both < Latin
rēnēs kidneys, loins (plural); cf.
renal
Example sentences from the Web for rein
British Dictionary definitions for rein (1 of 2)
rein
/ (reɪn) /
noun
verb
(tr)
to check, restrain, hold back, or halt with or as if with reins
to control or guide (a horse) with a rein or reins
they reined left
See also
rein in
Word Origin for rein
C13: from Old French
resne, from Latin
retinēre to hold back, from
re- +
tenēre to hold; see
restrain
undefined rein
See
reign
British Dictionary definitions for rein (2 of 2)
reins
/ (reɪnz) /
pl n
archaic
the kidneys or loins
Word Origin for reins
C14: from Old French, from Latin
rēnēs the kidneys
Medical definitions for rein
reins
[ rānz ]
pl.n.
The kidneys, loins, or lower back.
Idioms and Phrases with rein
rein
see draw in the reins; free hand (rein) tight rein on.