A long narrow leather strap attached to each end of the bit of a bridle and used by a rider or driver to control a horse or other animal. Often used in the plural.
A means of restraint, check, or guidance.
A means or an instrument by which power is exercised. Often used in the plural: the reins of government.
v.
reined, rein·ing, reins
v.
tr.
To check or hold back by or as if by the use of reins. Often with in, back, or up.
To restrain or control.
v.
intr. To control a horse, for example, with reins.
[Middle English, from Old French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre, to retain; see retain.]
(rān) 