rein
(rān)
[Middle English, from Old French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin* retina, from Latin retinēre, to retain; see retain.]
noun
- A long narrow leather strap attached to each end of the bit of a bridle and used by a rider or driver to control a horse or other animal. Often used in the plural.
- A means of restraint, check, or guidance.
- A means or an instrument by which power is exercised. Often used in the plural: the reins of government.
verb: reined, rein·ing, reins.
transitive verb
- To check or hold back by or as if by the use of reins. Often with in, back, or up.
- To restrain or control.
intransitive verb
- To control a horse, for example, with reins.
idioms
- draw in the reins
- To slow down or stop by or as if by pressure on the reins.
- give free rein to
- To release from restraints; allow to go unchecked: gave rein to her emotions.
- tight rein
- Close control: kept expenses on a tight rein.
