Main Entry: ¹rein

Pronunciation: \ˈrān\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English reine, from Anglo-French resne, reine, from Vulgar Latin *retina, from Latin retinēre to restrain — more at retain

Date: 14th century

1 : a strap fastened to a bit by which a rider or driver controls an animal —usually used in plural
2 a : a restraining influence : check <kept a tight rein on the proceedings> b : controlling or guiding power —usually used in plural <the reins of government>
3 : opportunity for unhampered activity or use <gave full rein to her imagination>

[rein illustration]