I. ˈrān noun
Etymology: Middle English reine, from Anglo-French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin * retina, from Latin retinēre to restrain — more at retain
Date: 14th century
1. : a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal — usually used in plural
2.
a. : a restraining influence : check
kept a tight rein on the proceedings
b. : controlling or guiding power — usually used in plural
the rein s of government
3. : opportunity for unhampered activity or use
gave full rein to her imagination
[
R rein 1
]
II. verb
Date: 15th century
transitive verb
1. : to control or direct with or as if with reins
2. : to check or stop by or as if by a pull at the reins
rein ed in her horse
couldn't rein his impatience
intransitive verb
1. archaic : to submit to the use of reins
2. : to stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins