I. ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: check (IV) + rein
1.
a. : a short rein looped over the checkhook to hold a horse's head up or back — called also bearing rein ; see harness illustration
b. : a branch rein connecting the driving rein of one horse of a span or pair with the bit of the other horse
2. : measures calculated to check or govern : control
he held a tight administrative checkrein upon expenditures — Current Biography
new import controls and other checkreins seem to have worked … overseas trade into at least a temporarily favorable balance — Newsweek
II. transitive verb
: hold in check : control
civilian authority checkreining the military