Rein — Defs

01 n. The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver governs the horse.

1.
The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver governs the horse.
“This knight laid hold upon his reyne.” — Chaucer.
2.
Hence, an instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing; government; restraint.

Phrases & compounds

To give rein — to give license to; to leave withouut restrain.

To take the reins — to take the guidance or government; to assume control.

02 v. t. To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another.

imp. & p. p. Reined; p. pr. & vb. n. Reining

1.
To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another.
“He mounts and reins his horse.” — Chapman.
2.
To restrain; to control; to check.
“Being once chafed, he can not Be reined again to temperance.” — Shak.

Phrases & compounds

To rein in — to check the speed of, or cause to stop, by drawing the reins.

03 v. i. To be guided by reins.