English Explanatory Dictionary

rein

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A strap or rope attached to a bridle or bit, used to control a horse, other animal or young child.
  2. An instrument or means of curbing, restraining, or governing.
verb
  1. To direct or stop a horse by using reins.
  2. To restrain; to control; to check.
  3. To obey directions given with the reins.
noun
  1. A kidney.
  2. The inward impulses; the affections and passions, formerly supposed to be located in the area of the kidneys.
name
  1. A surname from German.
noun
  1. Acronym of repetitive electrical impulse noise.

Pronunciation

/ɹeɪn/ en-us-rein.ogg

Word forms

rein reins reining reined

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”).

Derived words

bearing rein bridoon rein checkrein check-rein gag rein garde de rein garde rein leading rein lungeing rein pull the reins in on someone pull the reins in on something rein-back rein holder rein hook reinless reinsman reinswoman running rein safety rein unrein who died and gave you the reins free rein hold the reins keep a tight rein on take the reins rein in draw rein hand over the reins rein back rein up
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