■ noun
1》 a long, narrow strap attached at one end to a horse's bit, typically used in pairs to guide or check a horse in riding or driving.
↘ Brit. a pair of straps used to restrain a young child.
2》 ( ~s ) the power to direct and control: a new manager will soon take over the ~s.
■ verb
1》 check or guide (a horse) by pulling on its ~s.
2》 (often ~ someone/thing in/back ) restrain.
Phrases
draw ~ Brit. stop one's horse.
( a ) free ~ freedom of action or expression.
keep a tight ~ on exercise strict control over.
Origin
ME: from OFr. rene , based on L. retinere 'retain'.
Usage
The phrase a free ~ , which derives from the literal meaning of allowing a horse to move freely without being controlled by ~s, is sometimes misinterpreted and wrongly written as a free reign .