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rein definition

rein (rān)

noun

  1. a narrow strap of leather attached to each end of the bit in the mouth of a horse, and held by the rider or driver to control the animal: usually used in pl.
  2. a means of guiding, controlling, checking, or restraining the reins of government

Etymology: ME rene < OFr resne < VL *retina < L retinere: see retain

transitive verb

to guide, control, check, or restrain with or as with reins

intransitive verb

  1. to stop or slow down a horse, etc. with or as with reins: with in or up
  2. Archaic to submit to or be controlled by reins: said of a horse
rein Idioms

draw rein

  1. to tighten the reins
  2. to slow down or stop
Also draw in the reins

give (free) rein to

to allow to act without restraint

keep a rein on

to check, control, or restrain

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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