rein
Noun · VerbOpen English WordNet
Noun (2)reins
- one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horseType of strapKinds bearing rein, leading reinPart of bridle
- any means of control“he took up the reins of government”Type of control
Verb (4)reins, reined, reining
- control and direct with or as if by reins“rein a horse”Synonyms: harnessrein indraw reinMore general control, command
- stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins“They reined in in front of the post office”Synonyms: rein inMore general stop, halt
- stop or check by or as if by a pull at the reins“He reined in his horses in front of the post office”Synonyms: rein inMore general stopMore specific pull
- keep in check“rule one's temper”Synonyms: ruleharnessMore general restrain, keep
What does it mean? Question 1 of today’s quiz
Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Origin: F. rêne, fr. (assumed) LL. retina, fr. L. retinere to hold back. See Retain.
1. The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver governs the horse.
This knight laid hold upon his reyne.— Geoffrey Chaucer
2. Hence, an instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing; government; restraint. “Let their eyes rove without rein.” John Milton
To give rein, To give the rein to, to give license to; to leave withouut restrain. — To take the reins, to take the guidance or government; to assume control.
1. To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another.
He mounts and reins his horse.— George Chapman
2. To restrain; to control; to check.
Being once chafed, he can not Be reined again to temperance.— William Shakespeare
To rein in or To rein up, (a) to check the speed of, or cause to stop, by drawing the reins. Hence, (a) to cause (a person) to slow down or cease some activity; — to rein in is used commonly of superiors in a chain of command, ordering a subordinate to moderate or cease some activity deemed excessive.
To be guided by reins. rare William Shakespeare
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54 · with additions: +PJC