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

Definition for reins (2 of 2)

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.

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

SYNONYMS FOR rein

OTHER WORDS FROM rein

rein·less, adjective un·reined, adjective

WORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH rein

rain reign rein

Example sentences from the Web for reins

British Dictionary definitions for reins (1 of 2)

reins
/ (reɪnz) /

pl n

archaic the kidneys or loins

Word Origin for reins

C14: from Old French, from Latin rēnēs the kidneys

British Dictionary definitions for reins (2 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

Medical definitions for reins

reins
[ rānz ]

pl.n.

The kidneys, loins, or lower back.

Idioms and Phrases with reins

rein

see draw in the reins; free hand (rein) tight rein on.