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
Words nearby reins
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
OTHER WORDS FROM rein
rein·less, adjective un·reined, adjectiveExample 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.