Rein
[reɪn] or [ren]
Definition
(noun.) one of a pair of long straps (usually connected to the bit or the headpiece) used to control a horse.
(noun.) any means of control; 'he took up the reins of government'.
(verb.) stop or check by or as if by a pull at the reins; 'He reined in his horses in front of the post office'.
(verb.) 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'.
Typist: Ruth--From WordNet
Definition
(n.) The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver governs the horse.
(n.) Hence, an instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing; government; restraint.
(v. t.) To govern or direct with the reins; as, to rein a horse one way or another.
(v. t.) To restrain; to control; to check.
(v. i.) To be guided by reins.
Edited by Alta
Synonyms and Synonymous
v. a. Check, restrain, control, curb.
Checker: Walter
Synonyms and Antonyms
SYN:Curb, bridle, restrain, moderate, control, govern, check, hold
ANT:Indulge, loose, vent, discharge, humor
Checked by Abram
Definition
n. the strap of a bridle: an instrument for curbing or governing: government.—v.t. to govern with the rein or bridle: to restrain or control: to rein in to curb.—v.i. to obey the rein.—ns. Rein′-hold′er a clasp on the dash-board of a carriage for holding the reins; Rein′-hook a hook on a gig-saddle for holding the bearing-rein.—adj. Rein′less without rein or restraint.—n. Reins′man a skilful driver.—Rein up to bring a horse to a stop.—Give the reins to to leave unchecked; Take the reins to take the control.
Checker: McDonald
Examples
- The carriage stopped as soon as the driver could rein in his horses, and the same voice called to me by my name. Charles Dickens. A Tale of Two Cities.
- She took the abandoned rein, and conducted our obedient steed homewards. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- He stood a moment most irresolute; then, stepping forward, took her palfrey by the rein, and bent his knee before her. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- Unloose your hold on the lady's rein, said Cedric, coming up. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
- At the same instant an empty dog-cart, the horse cantering, the reins trailing, appeared round the curve of the road and rattled swiftly towards us. Arthur Conan Doyle. The Return of Sherlock Holmes.
- Tom cast a hasty glance at the upper part of the house as he threw the reins to the hostler, and stuck the whip in the box. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- There, then,' said the fat boy, putting the reins in his hand, and pointing up a lane, 'it's as straight as you can go; you can't miss it. Charles Dickens. The Pickwick Papers.
- The reins were broken, but they had been dragging on the ground. Charles Dickens. David Copperfield.
- But at three o'clock he shook out the reins over the trotters and turned into the by-roads leading to Portsmouth. Edith Wharton. The Age of Innocence.
- Sugden took the reins--he drives like Jehu--and in another quarter of an hour Barraclough will be safe in Stilbro' jail. Charlotte Bronte. Shirley.
- The coachman lifted the reins and the horse started. Ernest Hemingway. A Farewell To Arms.
- All this passed so suddenly, that I with difficulty reined in my horse, so that it should not trample on the prostrate being. Mary Shelley. The Last Man.
- I entertained you, sir, said John, reining up his palfrey haughtily, for my follower, but not for my counsellor. Walter Scott. Ivanhoe.
Editor: Orville