Rein

(rān), n. [Fr. rêne, O. Fr. regne, resgne, resne, Pr. regna, It. redina, Pg. redea, Sp. rienda, L. Lat. retina, Lat. retinaculum, from retinere, to hold back, from re, back, and tenere, to hold.]

1Sense 1. The strap of a bridle, fastened to the curb or snaffle on each side, by which the rider or driver restrains and governs the horse, &c.

2Sense 2. Hence, an instrument of curbing, restraining, or governing; government.

To give the reins to, to give license to; to leave without restraint. — To take the reins, to take the guidance or government. — Without rein, without restraint.

Let their eyes Rove without rein. Milton.

(rān), v. t. [imp. & p. p. REINED; p. pr. & vb. n. REINING.]

1Sense 1. To govern by a bridle. Milton.

2Sense 2. To restrain; to control.

Being once chafed, he can not Be reined again to temperance. Shak.

(rān), v. i. To be guided by reins; to bear the reins. [Rare.] Shak.