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n. 1. Either of two long narrow straps attached to each end of the bit of a bridle and used by a rider or driver to control a horse or other animal: The left rein slipped out of the driver's hands. The rider pulled on the reins, and the horse began to slow down. 2. A means of restraining or checking: kept a tight rein on expenditures. 3. often reins A means of controlling or directing: the reins of government. v. reined, rein·ing, reins v.tr. 1. To check or hold back by the use of reins. Often used with in or up: reined in the horse. 2. To restrain or control. Often used with in: "a team of strong personalities who would test the limits of prudence unless kept firmly reined in" (Tim Zimmermann). v.intr. Idioms: To control a horse, for example, with reins. Often used with in or up. draw rein To stop a horse, for example, by pulling on the reins. draw in the reins 1. To slow down or stop a horse or other animal by putting pressure on the reins. 2. To restrain or control. give free/full rein to To release from restraints; allow to go unchecked: gave free rein to her emotions. [Middle English, from Old French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre, to retain; see RETAIN.] |
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