rein
Plural: reins
Noun
- one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse
- any means of control
- "he took up the reins of government"
- A strap or rope attached to a bridle or bit, used to control a horse, animal or young child.
- An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.
- A kidney.
- The inward impulses; the affections and passions, formerly supposed to be located in the area of the kidneys.
Verb
Verb Forms: reined, reining, reins
- To control or guide with reins; to restrain.
- control and direct with or as if by reins
- "rein a horse"
- stop or slow up one's horse or oneself by or as if by pulling the reins
- "They reined in in front of the post office"
- stop or check by or as if by a pull at the reins
- "He reined in his horses in front of the post office"
- keep in check
- To direct or stop a horse by using reins.
- To restrain; to control; to check.
- To obey directions given with the reins.
Examples
- He had to REIN in his aggressive strategy, opting for safer, smaller words.
- The government is attempting to keep a rein on rising prices.
Origin / Etymology
From Middle English rein, reyne, from Anglo-Norman reyne, resne, from Early Medieval Latin retina, ultimately from Classical Latin retineō (“hold back”), from re- + teneō (“keep, hold”). Compare modern French rêne.
Displaced native Old English brīdel (“bridle, rein”), Old English wealdleþer, ġewealdleþer (“rein, bridle”, literally “control strap”), Old English sāl (“cord, rein”), Old English tiġel (“rein”), and Old English lāttēh, lāttēh (“leash, rein”).
Scrabble Score: 4
rein: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Wordrein: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
rein: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary