Link Centre Dictionary

rein

UK/ɹeɪn/ US/ˈreɪn/ uncommon archaic
noun (2) verb (4)

noun

1.

one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse

2.

any means of control

  • “he took up the reins of government”

verb

1.

control and direct with or as if by reins

  • “rein a horse”
Synonyms
2.

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
3.

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
4.

keep in check

  • “rule one”
Synonyms

Origin

From Middle English rein, reyne, from Anglo-Norman reyne, resne, from Early Medieval Latin retina, ultimately from Classical Latin retineō (“hold back”), from re- + teneō (“keep, hold”). Compare modern French rêne. Displaced native Old English brīdel (“bridle, rein”), Old English wealdleþer, ġewealdleþer (“rein, bridle”, literally “control strap”), Old English sāl (“cord, rein”), Old English tiġel (“rein”), and Old English lāttēh, lāttēh (“leash, rein”).

Phrases

  • bearing rein
  • bridoon rein
  • draw rein
  • free rein
  • gag rein
  • garde de rein
  • garde rein
  • hand over the reins
  • hold the reins
  • keep a tight rein on
  • leading rein
  • lungeing rein

Related words

Word family

Broader terms

Narrower terms

Parts

WordNet 2.1 (Princeton University). Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). CMU Pronouncing Dictionary. WordNet 2.1 Copyright Princeton University. All rights reserved. Wiktionary content is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike Licence.