/ reɪn; NAmE / noun , verb
■ noun
1.
[ C , usually pl. ] a long narrow leather band that is fastened around a horse's neck and is held by the rider in order to control the horse :
She pulled gently on the reins.
2.
reins [ pl. ] ( BrE ) strips of leather, etc. worn by a small child and held by an adult in order to stop the child from walking off and getting lost
3.
the reins [ pl. ] the state of being in control or the leader of sth :
It was time to hand over the reins of power (= to give control to sb else) .
The vice-president was forced to take up the reins of office.
•
IDIOMS
- give / allow sb/sth free / full rein | give / allow free / full rein to sth
—more at tight
■ verb
•
PHRASAL VERBS
- rein sb/sth back | rein sth in
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English : from Old French rene , based on Latin retinere retain.